Sinusitis Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a lumbar spine disorder, sinusitis, residuals of right or left ankle sprains, or onychomycosis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for sinusitis was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the old and revised rating criteria. The maximum schedular evaluation of 50 percent, effective from July 1, 1998, following one month of convalescence from surgery in May 1998, is the highest possible rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic osteomyelitis of the left lower leg, cellulitis of the left lower leg, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a chronic disability as a result of heat stroke have been granted. The claim for chronic sinusitis was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Hashimoto's hyperthyroidism and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a Travel Board hearing, obtaining medical records, and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's sinusitis has resulted in more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The Board finds that a 30 percent rating is warranted for his rhinitis (sinusitis).

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis with pharyngitis and tonsillitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation during the period from September 22, 1965, through January 13, 1992.

The Veteran's sinusitis and hypertension have been granted service connection, with the hypertension receiving an initial 10 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, and recurrent ear infections with tinnitus are not service-connected due to a personality disorder being considered a developmental defect.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have heat stroke residuals and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for compensable disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's sinus/respiratory disorder was not incurred in or aggravated during active service. The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings and compensable ratings for his lumbar spine disability and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of a claim to reopen due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's asthma condition is currently rated at 50% for the entire appeal period, and his scar, right back, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The Veteran has been granted increased ratings for his asthma conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's internal hemorrhoids, sinusitis with headaches, and tinnitus are not service-connected. However, the Veteran's major depression is granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to June 23, 2009.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple lipomas, bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis, pes planus, and calcaneal spurs), and chronic sinusitis have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis warrants a 30 percent evaluation, effective January 6, 2006, based on more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of headaches, sinus congestion, pain, sore throat and post-nasal discharge.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 and service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that the Veteran did not meet any of the criteria in the applicable statute and regulation at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the claims due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations and requests that he provide information about his treatment history. The case will be returned after further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic athlete's foot, and there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for this condition. The right wrist condition with pain was found to be related to military service, but the sinusitis claim was denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. Headaches were also found not to be secondary to a service-connected disability.