Sinusitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, chronic sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis based on direct evidence of in-service disease or injury. The Veteran's MOS included exposure to asbestos, dust, and toxic fumes during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and chronic maxillary and bilateral ethmoid sinusitis are secondary to his service-connected nasal fracture, post-operative septorhinoplasty, and rhinoplasty. The decision is granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's chronic sinusitis did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6513.

The Board finds that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $3,319.84 was properly created and is a valid debt.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an upper respiratory disorder, to include sinusitis, and increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as service-connected, with the condition being proximately due to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for a sinus disorder, and the Veteran's symptoms in-service and post-service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of rib fractures was denied. The RO found that the manifestations did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is presumed to be due to asbestos exposure during service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, PTSD) may also be related to service. Service connection for substance abuse was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected ethmoid sinusitis and laryngitis have been rated appropriately at the current levels, with no need for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left foot disability, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted. The Veteran's claims for sinusitis and hemorrhoids are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development, including an examination to determine the extent and etiology of any loss of sense of smell or taste. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and maxillary sinusitis and vasomotor rhinitis, as well as his claim for TDIU, were denied by the RO in September 2009. The Board remanded these issues to allow for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis with history of nasal polyps pre-existed service and was not aggravated during service, thus granting service connection for this condition.,However, there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's autoimmune hepatitis had its onset in service or was otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral inguinal hernia disability is not service-connected as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition during service and the current condition did not manifest until after discharge. The other issues were either not addressed or are not supported by sufficient evidence.

The Veteran is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, but not for a home adaptation grant as he is already eligible for the former.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis and rhinitis did not begin in service or as a result of service, and thus denied his claims.