Sinusitis Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the appeal with respect to the claims of entitlement to service connection for a fungal disorder, allergic rhinitis, and hypertension due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective June 22, 2007. The TDIU is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50% disabling since March 13, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran currently has a non-compensable rating for migraine headaches, a 10 percent rating for sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, and no compensable rating for an abdominal scar. Service connection for hypertension was not established.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder and sinusitis were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The weight of the evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20% prior to August 30, 2004, and at 20% beginning from August 24, 2004. The Veteran's sinusitis was not rated as he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's back disorder, right knee disorder, and allergic rhinitis were not found to meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Bay Medical Center on March 27, 2008 for sinusitis and hypoglycemia were not reimbursable as he did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of bilateral plantar warts, folliculitis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis were denied. The claim for sinusitis with frontal headaches was granted. Claims for cervical spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and otitis media are pending.

The Board has decided on some issues related to service connection and reopened/remanded other claims, but the motion for revision or reversal of the decision based on CUE is dismissed due to prior Court decisions affirming earlier Board decisions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for chronic sinusitis and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as increased ratings for various disabilities. The appeal is currently remanded to obtain additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and sinusitis were dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The appeal for migraines was also dismissed as it is not related to service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for intermittent sinusitis with an initial rating of 0 percent, but the Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine if she should be scheduled for a hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify the nature of his claim for service connection for a coughing disability and to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is related to his service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, a respiratory disorder (claimed as sinusitis), and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied as there is no current diagnosis of any such conditions.

The Veteran's claimed conditions of chronic sinusitis, headaches, and depression are not considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing acuity has been no worse than Level I throughout the appeal period, resulting in a non-compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide copies of any missing service treatment records, and a new VA examination will be scheduled for his low back disability, rhinitis, sinusitis, left ankle fracture residuals, post-operative left mastectomy, and tinea barbae.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a nasal disorder (sinusitis and deviated septum) have been denied as there is no current evidence of such disorders. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected asthma, effective from the date of this decision. The criteria for a higher 100 percent evaluation have not been met.