Ok i let time run out on claim for sinusitus/chronic colds and bronchitis/chronic colds. I had other medical issues that were more pressing including surgery I needed after I retired. I retired in Oct 2008 (1988-2008). Did initial C&P in May 2008 while still in service in NM and then moved to FL when retired so now under VA in St Pete.
Initial C&P noted by general practiconer (a DR) "seen by ENT in 2004 for recurrent sinus symptoms. normal nasal endosopy and CT of sinuses were described as having "absolutely no evidence of chronic sinusitis", ENT felt symtoms due to local mold and suggested nasal rinses for relief." she put my date of onset of bronchitis as 2003. Noted i had several bad colds in Guam (2003-2005) that developed into bronchitis, sinusistis and walking pnemonia. improved since she left Guam and only one episode sinusitis in 2008. and course since onset: improved.
- she had xray of sinuses done and showed nothing
- no endoscopy performed but she noted turbinates and septum normal, no polyps or obstruction
- and she said my tonsils were normal (they were removed in 1985)
Rating Decision 8/17/09
They denied both sinusitis and bronchitis: here they said no endoscopic evidence of sinusitis by examiner (but she never had test done), last endoscopy was 2004.
They listed treatment 1/2003 sinusitis, 4/03 cold sysmptoms, 7/03 severe cough, 8/03 pneumonia/bronchitis, 12/03 bronchisitis with persistent cough, 8/04 brochitis.
OK in service record there are over 40 visits/treatments for upper respiratory infection, sinustis, rhinitis, bronchistis dating back to 1989. Best is ENT in 2004 diagnosed allergic rhinosinusitis. of cousre i was PCSing soon so no allergy testing but diagnosis right there that C&P Dr just failed to mention.
Could not breath through my nose, sinuses all stuffed but not as much runny. Just figured I couldnt breath well. Went to ENT in 2013 (alot of other issues going on thats why delay) and CT showed 90% blockage on one side, deviated setum, haller cells, septal bony spurring and turbinate hypertrophy. Allergist did testing and i have multiple sever alergies not kept in check with several daily allergy meds. Had sinus surgery, 2 different sinus cavities had lots of junk, oplys removed, fixed septum, scraped turbinates and ballon dialation. terrible surgery and recovery. symptoms coming back with more sinus infections. Have ENT writing letter.
So do i reopen with new evidence (have lots), CUE as Dr grossly omitted diagnosis of Allergic sinusitis which ties it all together or try an entire new claim for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis secondary. i had polys which were removed, new CT just done and not sure what will show.
Any advice would be great. I am still fighting orginal claim as my surgery after retirement NP tried to say not service diagnosed. just did bva teleconference and they remanded back to St pete. help if you can. i think enough details for even layman to connect dots. They never looked at my entire record...just bits and pieces.