Sinusitis Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and assigned a noncompensable evaluation. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia is denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for a sebaceous cyst excision scar on the mid-back is also denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities, as they do not render him helpless or require assistance with daily activities.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence and the need for additional development.

The Board denied a compensable disability evaluation for the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, finding that there was no evidence of 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed skin disorder, hypertension, arthritis/degenerative joint disease, rhinosinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, dizzy spells, and nervous disorders (insomnia, loss of memory, major depression) due to mustard gas exposure as there is no competent evidence verifying full-body exposure to mustard gas or Lewisite during active duty service.

The Board denied all service connection claims for various conditions, including eye disorders, respiratory issues, hypertension, skin disorders, and fatigue. The decision did not specify the basis for denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VCAA notice and for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's headaches and sinusitis are related to service.

The Board granted an effective date of August 29, 2001 for a 30 percent rating for occlusal trauma due to bruxism with temporomandibular joint symptoms and found the veteran's incontinence secondary to her service-connected Cesarean section scar. The other claims were denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have sinusitis, but service-connected headaches were incurred during active duty. The initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was granted in a separate decision.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis did not result from his service-connected lung disability and denied both his claims for service connection and an increased rating. The veteran's lung disability is currently rated at 60 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are being remanded to the RO for further evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings were denied. The Board found that the veteran did not have current disabilities related to hives, wrist disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a lumbar spine disorder. Service connection was also denied for chronic sinusitis and seasonal allergies and migraine headaches.

The Board found that the veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The chronic respiratory disorders, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, were diagnosed post-service and are not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, was incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notice and scheduling for a Travel Board hearing. The RO must ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) by providing appropriate notice and readjudicating the claims.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, a low disability (likely referring to low back disability), hearing loss, lung disease (including asthma), urethral stricture, migraine headaches, arthritis of the left shoulder, bilateral knee disorder, and sinusitis. The denial is final as it was made in August 2001.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during his active military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, pes planus, malaria, sinusitis, left inguinal hernia, residuals of a spider bite of the left groin, and back disability. The claim for right ear hearing loss is granted as incurred in service, but the issue remains pending with respect to compensable ratings.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were granted, with the exception of sinusitis. The RO also provided initial compensable ratings for migraines and left tibia osteochondroma.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated nasal septum. The issue of an increased rating for sinusitis with headaches is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.