Sinusitis decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, right foot disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), arthritis of the left hand and left index finger, back disorder, hemorrhoids, and vertigo as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA/VA-Medical Center (VAMC) treatment records. A new examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of sinusitis, a back disorder, and a hernia.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding records and the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is not manifested by any current symptoms, and therefore does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence linking his current or recurrent sinusitis to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to any service-connected condition, including his sinusitis and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's service records are unavailable, but he has provided evidence of exposure to tank exhaust and spray paint during his military service. The Board finds that the requirements for ordering a VA examination have been met due to the continuity of problems since service.

The Veteran submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claims for service connection for skin rash on the left foot and an upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and rhinitis. The Board found that the evidence is sufficient to raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.,However, the Board did not find any evidence linking the current conditions to active duty or service.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran likely had allergies since his time in military service. Service connection was denied for back pain and patellofemoral syndrome due to lack of current disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be considered on their merits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection. This includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, requesting service treatment records from specific periods of service, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for pension benefits is denied as he does not meet the criteria for permanent and total disability due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and further examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and his bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% disability rating for sinusitis with sinus headaches is denied as there is no evidence of factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to April 12, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Veteran was treated for migraines in service and currently suffers from these symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, including chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, as well as left maxillary sinus cancer, is not established due to lack of current diagnoses and insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic sinus disorder and has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted for chronic sinusitis.

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