Sinusitis Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected organic brain syndrome, residuals of a fracture of the left rib, residuals of a fracture of the inferior and bilateral left orbit zygoma, status post septorhinoplasty and sinusitis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis with headaches is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant an increase.

The veteran's hepatitis C and sinusitis claims are not well-grounded. The sinusitis claim is granted with a 30% evaluation, effective September 20, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for hypertension with sporadic premature ventricular contractions. The issues of low back disability, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis with enlarged turbinates, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were also addressed but are pending further development.

The Board has found that the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and sinus disorder are well grounded. The case is now being remanded to determine if peptic ulcer disease had its onset during or within one year following service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected sinusitis and nasal septal deformity are remanded due to incomplete medical records. Further examination is required to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected rhinitis and found that his asthma warranted only a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board denied higher initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected conditions, including residuals of a fracture of the right foot and calcaneal spurs on both heels.

The veteran's claims for service connection on a direct basis or due to an undiagnosed illness were denied as there is no competent medical evidence establishing the existence of any claimed conditions. The claim for increased rating for tension headaches was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic low back disability, neck injury, right epididymitis, hypertension with chest pain, dental condition secondary to sinusitis, and asthma secondary to sinusitis are not well-grounded. The evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and active military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound due to disability was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for fibromyalgia and assigned a 10 percent disability rating for allergic rhinitis. The appeal is resolved in favor of the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and vasomotor rhinitis are not well grounded as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for right otitis media, but confirmed a 10 percent rating for sinusitis with epistaxis. The veteran's symptoms have fluctuated over time.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected low back strain, right forearm gunshot wound, and right ankle disorder was granted. The rating for the left ankle condition remains at 10 percent. Hallux valgus deformity of both feet is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has requested a remand due to the need for further examination and evaluation of the veteran's allergies, including his skin disorder and allergic ethmoid rhino sinusitis. The examiner is required to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-operative deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. The evidence shows that the veteran had a pre-existing deviated nasal septum but developed allergic rhinitis with Eustachian tube dysfunction during his military service.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder and generalized skin rash, but denied service connection for hypertension and sinusitis. The veteran's appeal on the issue of TDIU was dismissed.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for allergic rhinitis effective from October 7, 1996. The veteran's contentions as to his symptoms are consistent with the medical findings during the September 1997 VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for multiple conditions, including sinusitis, allergies, hypertension, and skin disorders are well-grounded. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides. The claim for PTSD remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.