The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for sinusitis was denied, as the current 50 percent rating is the maximum schedular rating available. Separate ratings for loss of sense of smell and taste were also denied due to partial loss in each case.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a higher rating under DC 6510 (sinusitis) are not met because the Veteran's current 50 percent rating is the maximum schedular rating available. The ratings for loss of sense of smell and taste were also denied as they require complete loss, which was not shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Sinusitis, Loss of sense of smell, Loss of sense of taste
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- August 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19159712
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 940 · Granted: 21% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19159712.
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 Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for sinusitis as of February 19, 2021, based on the number and duration of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, left knee condition, right knee condition, and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic laryngeal papillomatosis.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's sinusitis was rated as noncompensable for the period prior to December 9, 2024. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the severity of his symptoms and lack of incapacitating episodes.
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