Sinusitis decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notification and development of records, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected sinusitis and its impact on his nonservice connected rhinitis/allergies, as well as whether his combined service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hearing loss, sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, COPD, insomnia, allergies, substance dependence, and depression were not found to be related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected allergic rhinitis, which is characterized by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current throat disorder and denied his claim for service connection, concluding that any symptoms he currently experiences are related to post-service conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been denied as the current ratings are considered adequate to compensate for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sinus/nose disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and another VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain her service treatment records and verify any asbestos exposure. A VA examination will also be conducted to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any claimed disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, tuberculosis, and sinusitis are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain missing service treatment records, provide a VA examination for hearing loss, sinusitis, and residuals of fractured nasal bone, and ensure all issues are properly addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected sinusitis due to outstanding VA treatment records not being associated with the claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected chronic frontal sinusitis more nearly approximates a 30 percent rating based on multiple non-incapacitating episodes per year, warranting a higher initial compensable rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, renal failure, and sinusitis. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is manifested by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge. The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to inadequate search for service treatment records and failure to provide adequate notice regarding alternative medical evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being returned for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and sinusitis, finding no evidence of current disabilities or chronic conditions in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed sinusitis and headaches are not related to service, including a tooth extraction in service. The VA examiners found no current evidence of chronic sinusitis or any related condition evidenced in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain relevant service records and medical records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and vasomotor rhinitis are not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to her failure to attend a scheduled hearing. The issues listed on the title page are still pending.