Sinusitis Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claims of entitlement to service connection for anemia, kidney disease, headaches, sinusitis, a stomach condition, and right-sided hearing loss. However, it remains unclear whether these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service due to lack of substantial evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sinusitis and a compensable evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC. The other claim for an increased rating for bilateral tinea pedis has been decided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured right frontal sinus warrant a rating of 30 percent, based on more than six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year.

The veteran's service-connected sinusitis was rated at 10 percent from September 9, 1996 through October 6, 2001; and at 30 percent from October 7, 1996 through July 24, 2001.,The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was not rated as compensable.

The veteran's generalized joint pain, including left shoulder and wrist pain, is presumed to be due to an undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Gulf War. Service connection for bronchitis, heartburn and flatulence as due to an undiagnosed illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and right submandibular lymph gland swelling with pharyngitis are granted. The veteran's allergic rhinitis is not presumed to be related to his service in the Gulf War.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to unclear determination of the cause of his unemployability and need for further development.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for onychomycosis, service connection for sinusitis, and service connection for allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for further development. The other issues will be decided as is.

The veteran's tinnitus was first manifested in service and is considered to be the result of disease or injury incurred therein. Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Board finds that the veteran did not have a chronic upper respiratory infection or sinusitis in service, and thus does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of nasal injuries including a deviated septum and nasal blockage, nor does he have chronic rhinitis. The claims are denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration, including notification of the VCAA requirements and scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues include an increased rating for asthma, earlier effective dates for service connection for sinusitis and asthma, and service connection for a left eye disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his service connection claim for allergic rhinitis, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board will remand this case to comply with the July 2003 Court Order, ensuring all notification and development actions required by law are fully complied with.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee injury, right knee injury, and sinusitis due to insufficient evidence of current disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, inflammatory pelvic disease, status post laparoscopy, and acute sinusitis with allergies are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a nose fracture, service connection for allergic rhinitis, low back pain, and residuals of frostbite to his ears. The remaining issues were remanded.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for plantar fasciitis, effective November 7, 2000, based on the evidence of record showing moderate foot injuries. For sinusitis, the RO also assigned a noncompensable evaluation, effective November 7, 2000, due to lack of incapacitating episodes or significant symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle achilles tendonitis, chronic sinusitis, and right wrist tendonitis were incurred in service. The claim for right knee patellofemoral syndrome is denied as there are no residuals of this condition at discharge from service. The ingrown toenail of the right great toe was also shown to be present during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical examination.