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Can I Claim Sinusitis

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jusus27360

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I just found medical records that said that i had real bad sinus infection off an on for 5 yesrs. I had an mri done in feb 15 for severe headaches an they saw that one of my sinus cavity is completely closed an will require surgery to fix this problem. Can I claim this? Thanks for any input.

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I believe so, I don't see any reason why you couldn't, biggest thing will be getting a nexus letter connecting your current issues as a worsening of issues while in service. Do you know what surgery they are proposing?

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Forgot the name of surgery but they will open that sinus cavity an clean all the yucky stuff in there. They also said it could be contributing to my horrible migraines. Never thought anything about it until I received some old medical records from st Louis an for about 3 years I suffered quite a bit.

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The answer is yes. Check out Diseases Of The Nose and Throat. Disability Code 6510 through 6514. Also VA Form 21-0960N-4. DBQ for Sinus.

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Below are the criteria.

I humbly suggest you read up on this...unless there is a compelling reason, it may not be worth it for you if you decide that "0%" will likely be your max that you can get with this.

It has been my experience that the VA performs "surgery" independent of whether or not we are service connected for the malady. You either need surgery, or you do not, but being SC for the reason you need surgery probably wont help you get the surgery you need.

Lets try an example:

Lets say you do get surgery on your sinuses, and, lets say its successful and solves your issues with few/no symptoms after surgery.

In this instance, asymptomatic sinitus wont get you any compensation, just a lolipop stick with no lolipop. (0 percent for Sinitus).

You know your medical records better than I do, but I heard of a Vet a few months ago who sought Service connection for something like 41 issues. While Im not going to insult a fellow Vet, it appears like applying for 41 issues is, well, stretching it. I dont want you to go on with conditions you really need SC, but I can hardly imagine applying for 41 issues. Remember, many or most of these things wont net you any additional compensation, so Im of the opinion to step back and let another Veteran who really needs the RO's attention have it.

Now, I am not saying sinitus is not a legit issue..you may need SC for it bad. But, I am suggesting you read about the criteria and if you dont think your symptoms warrant more than 0 percent, then maybe you should consider dropping the issue. Criteria follows:

§4.97 Schedule of ratings—respiratory system.

diseases of the nose and throat

Rating

6502 Septum, nasal, deviation of:

Traumatic only,

With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides

or complete obstruction on one side 10

6504 Nose, loss of part of, or scars:

Exposing both nasal passages 30

Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement 10

Note: Or evaluate as DC 7800, scars, disfiguring, head, face, or neck.

6510 Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic.

6511 Sinusitis, ethmoid, chronic.

6512 Sinusitis, frontal, chronic.

6513 Sinusitis, maxillary, chronic.

6514 Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic.

General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC’s 6510 through 6514):

Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near

constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and

tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or

crusting after repeated surgeries 50

Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring

prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or;

more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis

characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or

crusting 30

One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring

prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or;

three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis

characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or

crusting 10

Detected by X-ray only 0

Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.

6515 Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactive.

Rate under §§4.88c or 4.89, whichever is appropriate.

6516 Laryngitis, chronic:

Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps,

submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy 30

Hoarseness, with inflammation of cords or mucous membrane 10

6518 Laryngectomy, total. 1100

Rate the residuals of partial laryngectomy as laryngitis (DC 6516),

aphonia (DC 6519), or stenosis of larynx (DC 6520).

6519 Aphonia, complete organic:

Constant inability to communicate by speech 1100

Constant inability to speak above a whisper 60

Note: Evaluate incomplete aphonia as laryngitis, chronic (DC 6516).

6520 Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma

(unilateral or bilateral):

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1) less than

40 percent of predicted value, with Flow-Volume Loop

compatible with upper airway obstruction, or; permanent

tracheostomy 100

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop

compatible with upper airway obstruction 60

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop

compatible with upper airway obstruction 30

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop

compatible with upper airway obstruction 10

Note: Or evaluate as aphonia (DC 6519).

6521 Pharynx, injuries to:

Edited by broncovet
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I'm on a NOD for it, and have obtained an independent medical examination and opinon for chronic sinusitis, along with providing SMR and civilian records as backup. The DRO, and later a VES representative called and it looks like the VA has contracted with them to do a C&P on it.

I cited several aggravating factors including, but not limited to, exposure to the CS gas in training rooms, being in the close vicinity of the rear of aircraft and their exhaust fumes, vehicle exhaust and fuel fumes, firearms use and cleaning fumes, along with being assigned to a barracks and sharing a dormitory with smokers. (I'm a non-smoker)...and a few other reasons that I can't think of off the top of my head right now. I attributed it to 5 years and 7 months of active duty service being exposed to and treating these conditions.

I'll update you on how it goes after climbing the C&P wall. Good luck to you on your claims, and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

Mark

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