Sinusitis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service. The record does not support granting increased ratings for asbestosis, chronic bilateral maxillary sinusitis, or residuals of a left eye disability, each for accrued benefits purposes. The criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound status were also not met.

The Veteran's PTSD claim remains denied. The urethritis rating has been increased to 10% from November 2, 2009 onwards. The sinusitis with rhinitis rating was also increased to 10%, effective October 19, 2012.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to have had its onset during service and is related to his military service. Service connection for allergic rhinitis, chronic maxillary sinusitis, and deviated nasal septum are granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right shoulder condition and sinusitis due to their withdrawal by the appellant. The appeal regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is found to be service-connected. The status of her hysterectomy, gastrointestinal disorder, hypertension, migraines, and sleep apnea claims are pending further medical evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis did not have its clinical onset during active service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to August 15, 2000. The RO granted a TDIU effective from August 15, 2000, based on his combined disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examination reports and outpatient records. The issues of increased ratings for depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and maxillary sinusitis are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found no new and material evidence to reopen his claims. The right hip disability was rated at 10 percent prior to February 6, 2013 and at 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and rhinitis/sinusitis are granted, as his conditions were first shown during active duty service.

The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service records and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of his nasal fracture and related conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic sinusitis, maxillary and ethmoid is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sinusitis is related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's disability rating for sinusitis was reduced from 30 percent to 10 percent, effective November 1, 2009. The Board found that the reduction was improper and restored the original 30 percent rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral maxillary sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The remaining issues are being remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sinusitis, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The other issues of service connection are also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during service or within one year after separation.

The Board has granted service connection for pharyngitis and enlarged tonsils due to aggravation, but denied service connection for sinusitis, sleep apnea, and vision problems secondary to hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of all received evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis did not have onset during his active service and is not etiologically related to his active service. The Veteran has never had retinopathy of either eye.