Sinusitis decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the issue on appeal can be adjudicated. Specifically, the Veteran needs to provide treatment records from Eastern Virginia Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists since July 15, 2008, and any other records dated since April 6, 2010. Additionally, a VA examination should be scheduled to determine the current extent of his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess current functional impairment due to these conditions.

The Veteran's sinusitis was granted service connection as it is shown to have existed during his active duty and continues today. However, the right ear disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current hearing loss condition that began in or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep apnea and sinusitis.

The Veteran's claims for chronic back disorder and chronic sinusitis were denied as they are not shown to be related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service records show diagnoses of sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. The Board has re-characterized the issues as a sinus/rhinitis disorder and respiratory disorders (including bronchitis and asthma). Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for sleep apnea with disordered breathing and allergic rhinitis have been granted, but the appeal is pending for other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue and sinusitis were denied. However, her claim for allergic rhinitis was granted due to a history of hay fever at enlistment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service records and for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of SVPVD, DJD at C5-C6 did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent, recurrent sinusitis with recurrent sinus headaches did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and chronic mononucleosis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right ankle disorder, right shoulder disability, sinusitis, or chronic disabilities involving joint pain of his wrists, elbows, knees and ankles due to disease or injury incurred in service. However, it is just as likely as not that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the final August 2004 rating decision is not new and material, and therefore, the claims of entitlement to service connection for conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis are not reopened.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and diplopia secondary to sinusitis, but denied service connection for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected as the underlying condition did not arise from his military service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain missing documentation, conduct an audit of retroactive payments, and provide the Veteran with a Statement of the Case. The appellant's appeal involves a claim for CUE in a decision denying attorney fees.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for pansinusitis with occasional headaches was granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent effective from February 12, 2009.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis and COPD, finding that there is evidence to support these conditions began during his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a diagnosed hearing loss disability, high triglycerides as a chronic disability, gout, sinusitis, or an acquired eye disorder (blurred vision) related to service. The claims were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board found no evidence of current sinusitis or Eustachian tube dysfunction related to the Veteran's active service and denied her claims for service connection.