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 assigned
- 10%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0207989.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 7, 2023 for service connection for maxillary sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and left knee patella chondromalacia.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a low back condition and denied initial compensable ratings for migraine, maxillary sinusitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and earlier effective dates, as well as his TDIU claim.
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