Sinusitis decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis, finding that there was no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side without polyps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, which had its onset during active service, warrants service connection.

The Board denied service connection for spondylosis, posture and spine conditions as secondary to the service-connected symptomatic bilateral flat foot disability. Service connection for periodontal disease was precluded by law. The Board also denied service connection for sinusitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and 'CTA'.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is related to her in-service complaints, and she has been granted service connection for this condition. The heart disorder is secondary to hypertension, but the examiner must determine if it was aggravated by active duty. The bilateral foot disorder may be due to surgery during active duty, and the nasal and eye disorders are likely due to service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent, and his headaches are separately rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right status post thoracic outlet syndrome decompression have been denied as the evidence does not show that he has severe incomplete paralysis or complete paralysis of either nerve, nor does it show limitation of motion of the arms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral chronic maxillary sinusitis with occasional tinnitus of the right ear is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional records.

The Veteran's sinusitis, characterized by headaches, pain, and tenderness of affected sinuses with purulent discharge or crusting, is rated at 50% due to the presence of near constant symptoms despite contraindicated surgery.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing at his RO in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination to assess his service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has recharacterized the appeal as one for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as due to exposure to burning chemicals and oils in the Persian Gulf War. The Veteran's STRs show treatment for nasal drainage and throat pain during service, and he currently reports ongoing symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective May 31, 2006, due to her service-connected disabilities meeting the regulatory requirements for TDIU. Her combined rating at that time was 80 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran timely and adequately appealed her claims of entitlement to service connection for a hysterectomy, anemia, sinusitis, a right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, additional development is needed as these claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis that was incurred during active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected allergic rhinosinusitis and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the medical evidence did not support a separate disability diagnosis for hematuria, diarrhea, or skin irritation. The claim for fatigue was granted based on objective indications of chronic disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 23, 2005 for service connection of chronic sinusitis was denied as the earliest communication indicating intent to apply for this condition did not occur until May 1984.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are consistent with his service-connected allergic rhinitis and reasonably attributable to service.