Sinusitis decisions — 2013

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for pansinusitis with allergic rhinitis, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6510.

The Board has granted service connection for duodenal ulcer and chronic cervical strain, finding that these conditions were first manifested during active service. The Veteran's claims for other disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims for service connection and increased evaluations.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of service-connected disabilities, including his left knee disability and Still's disease. The cause of death was determined to be an occipital-atlantal separation due to a motorcycle accident where the Veteran lost control of his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development due to insufficient evidence on the applicable theories of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected right great toe fracture with arthritis is currently rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective June 1, 2008.,The Veteran's right great toe disorder causes him pain and limits his movement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bronchial asthma and maxillary sinusitis, have resulted in a combined disability evaluation of 70 percent from October 25, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU for the period on and after October 25, 2006.

The Veteran's lower back disorder, chronic rhinitis, trigeminal neuralgia, ear disorder (otitis), and respiratory disorder (asthma) are not service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disabilities were not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and examination to address his claims of service connection for a throat disorder, hypertension rating, and effective date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable colon syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity have been withdrawn by the authorized representative. The claims of increased ratings for residuals of a right index finger disability, GERD, fibromyalgia, non-cardiac chest pain due to undiagnosed illness, rhinitis with sinusitis, skin disorder (including tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and psuedofolliculitis barbae), and onychomycosis of the toenails have been granted. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance remains pending.

The Board has determined that the issues of entitlement to service connection for pulmonary fibrosis with oxygen dependence and sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected sinusitis are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU issue. The case is therefore being remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anxiety disorder, sinusitis, retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee, tinnitus, and limitation of extension of the right knee, have rendered him unemployable. The Board finds that his TDIU is granted.

The Board granted service connection for heart disease, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for left ankle degenerative joint disease was denied. Service connection for hiatal hernia was also granted but with a noncompensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchial asthma and bilateral ethmoidal and frontal sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any sinusitis or allergies, as well as whether they are related to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disorder, claimed as sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The claim was initially denied in 1996 but reopened due to new evidence. After multiple remands, the Board found that the Veteran's condition first manifested during his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an upper respiratory disorder, as well as his initial rating for GERD and increased rating for low back disability. The claim for TDIU is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the hearing officer who conducted his July 2006 hearing no longer working at the Board. He has been offered a new opportunity for a videoconference hearing and has chosen this option.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of needing aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits based on his nonservice-connected disabilities.