The Veteran's sinusitis disability is granted, and the maximum schedular rating for vitiligo has been assigned. The initial ratings for depression NOS, De Quervain's tenosynovitis (right wrist), bilateral shin splints, right ankle sprain, tinnitus, and allergic rhinitis have all been granted at 10 percent. The Veteran's cold injury of bilateral hands disability is also granted at a 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner provided an opinion that the Veteran’s sinusitis was less likely caused by service due to lack of documentation in STRs, but the private treatment records showed a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis beginning five years prior and lasting for five years. The July 2019 X-ray did not show any evidence of current chronic sinusitis.
- Claimed conditions
- anemia, sinusitis, vitiligo, depression NOS, De Quervain's tenosynovitis (right wrist), De Quervain's tenosynovitis (left wrist), bilateral shin splints, right ankle sprain, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, cold injury of bilateral hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19182311
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine pain, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent yeast infections. The claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with alcohol use disorder and left knee pain were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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