Sinusitis decisions — 2011

The Board has granted the highest possible schedular ratings of 30 percent for the cholecystectomy residuals and a separate 10 percent rating for the surgical scar from the cholecystectomy. The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum available under the applicable DC.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to Agent Orange and VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sinusitis due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable rating were granted. The lumbar strain with a history of myofascial syndrome was rated at 20 percent, chronic sinusitis at 10 percent, and deviated nasal septum status post septoplasty received an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions have been completed.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim is dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for a back disability was denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.,There is no diagnosed condition related to leg cramps, and thus the issue remains in its 'unknown' status.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including a cervical spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, and sinusitis. The Board has determined that the current VA examination opinions are inadequate to determine whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities, and thus remanded the case for further development.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral eye disability, asbestosis, hepatitis C, arthritis of all joints, sinusitis, HIV, and recurrent pneumonia. The Board also denied his claim for an increased rating for residuals of a chip fracture of the right thumb.

The Board denied service connection for chronic sinusitis and hepatitis C, finding no evidence of these conditions during service or a link to military service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective November 16, 2009. He also has separate ratings for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and right-sided mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further examination and analysis to determine the cumulative effect of his service-connected conditions on his employability.