The VA denied a claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for maxillary sinusitis, finding that the veteran's symptoms and objective findings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's maxillary sinusitis was currently manifested by subjective symptoms including nasal obstruction/congestion, occasional episodes of sinus headaches/maxillary pain, clear post-nasal drip, and thick mucous. Objective evidence showed enlarged, erythematous inferior turbinates, bilateral nasal obstruction of about 20 percent in September 1999, which was resolved as of March 2001, and mild bilateral crusting.
- Claimed conditions
- maxillary sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2002
- Citation
- 0207989
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0207989.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected maxillary sinusitis and allergies, finding a causal relationship between these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by and/or aggravated by his service-connected maxillary sinusitis, resulting in a grant of service connection for OSA as secondary to the service-connected condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, hypertension, maxillary sinusitis, tension headaches, and PTSD with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are all granted. The left ankle condition is remanded for further review.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal, so the case is dismissed.
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