Sinusitis Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected sinusitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not considered to be the primary cause of his inability to work, as he has other non-service connected health issues that prevent him from engaging in gainful employment.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence showing a nexus between any current sinusitis, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis and service. Therefore, the claims of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for sinusitis and a right ankle disorder due to new evidence submitted since the May 1988 rating decision. However, the claims are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and his claim for a TDIU rating is denied.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence showing bursitis of the right toe or degenerative arthritis of the feet. However, allergic rhinitis was demonstrated during service and is presumed to have been incurred then.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as his duodenal ulcer disease, are considered to have originated during service. He is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as there were no incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge. The claim was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis, which has been rated at 10 percent since 1968, warrants a higher rating of 30 percent under both old and new diagnostic criteria for chronic maxillary sinusitis effective October 7, 1996. The veteran's condition is characterized by severe symptoms including frequent headaches and facial pain.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and found it to be well-grounded. The claims for jungle rot of the feet, blackout spells, dizziness, numbness and tingling of the hands, viral hepatitis, and sinusitis are pending further development and review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The Veteran is also asked to complete a TDIU claim form, and his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and face numbness need to be evaluated.