Sinusitis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's chronic headaches, which are productive of attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months, do not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis, sinusitis, right knee arthroscopic surgery (status post), and left knee strain have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and bilateral hip disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. The appeal seeking increased ratings for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in these matters.

The Veteran's service connection for scabies and sinusitis was granted based on new evidence. Initial non-compensable evaluations were granted for varicose veins, upper and lower extremity paresthesia, and seborrheic dermatitis.,Initial compensable evaluations (10%) were granted for the Veteran's varicose veins of the right lower extremity.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for seborrheic dermatitis and sinusitis were denied. The skin condition was rated as 10 percent, 30 percent, and 60 percent from different periods of time, but the highest rating (60 percent) is not granted due to lack of evidence showing more than 40% body or exposed areas affected. For sinusitis, no incapacitating episodes were found warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's left shoulder, sinus, vasectomy residuals, and left ankle disabilities are all found to be service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinus or allergy disorder, which is manifested by headaches, was not incurred in service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 50 percent since October 1, 2013. The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic sinusitis meets the criteria for a 50 percent rating due to near constant symptoms including headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.

The Board found no probative evidence indicating the Veteran's sinusitis was incurred during her active military service or for many years thereafter, and thus denied her claim of entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is not service-connected as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service, and the current diagnosis is less likely related to service.,Service connection for skin disorders due to burns in service is denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory system disorder, including sinusitis, has been denied as there is no evidence of current sinusitis or any chronic respiratory condition related to his active duty. The claim for cardiovascular disorder, including atrial fibrillation, CAD with angina and left ventricular hypertrophy, remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disorder, hypertension, and chronic bronchitis are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU has been granted due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities, which meet the schedular threshold requirement.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, bronchitis, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for hearing loss of the right ear. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO due to the Veteran's request. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for sinusitis.

The Veteran's rhinitis was previously rated at 10 percent. As of May 20, 2014, his condition has been found to warrant a higher 30 percent rating. Additionally, he is now granted service connection for sinusitis as secondary to his rhinitis.

The Board has reopened the claims for right elbow and right hand disabilities, granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, cervical spondylosis, and hypertension, and denied all other issues on appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for sinusitis and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support a finding that the condition had its onset in service.