Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, headaches and dizziness, gastrointestinal signs or symptoms, fatigue and muscle pain, and allergic rhinitis have all been denied. The Board found that the veteran did not present objective indications of chronic disability for any of these conditions.

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for a submucosal nodule of the esophagus, finding no functional impairment due to this condition and associating symptoms with non-service connected rhinitis.

The Board granted an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and bunions, but denied service connection for a scar of the left foot as a residual of an injury, tinea pedis claimed as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and bunions, hemorrhoids, and sinusitis and perennial sinorhinitis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for allergic and vasomotor rhinitis, finding that his symptoms are due to a diagnosed condition rather than an undiagnosed illness. The claims for increased ratings for gout and hypertension remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and asthma, both rated at 10 percent. The veteran's symptoms are currently managed with medications and do not significantly impair his daily activities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well-grounded, and thus denied.

The Board granted an increased initial rating of 20 percent for TMJ syndrome with headaches effective October 25, 1996. The appellant's allergic rhinitis was rated at 10 percent prior to October 7, 1996 and 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well-grounded and have been denied. The appeals were based on various conditions, but the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of medical evidence or plausible diagnoses.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and an increased rating for allergic rhinitis, finding that there is no current evidence of chronic sinusitis or a diagnosis of chronic sinus disease. The veteran's symptoms are better explained by his history of allergic rhinitis.

The veteran's low back disability is not service-connected as there is no medical evidence linking it to his military service.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis is granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service. The veteran has a history of foot pain dating back to 1990, which continues into the present day.,The claim for abnormal liver function test results is denied as there is no medical evidence showing a current disability.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is not well-grounded as there is no competent medical evidence linking it to service.

The veteran's left hip dysplasia and recurrent sinusitis with rhinitis and postoperative residuals of removal of a mucous retention cyst are service-connected. The veteran is currently receiving a 10% rating for his sinusitis.

The veteran's left knee disability is manifested by slight limitation of motion with mild pain, but no instability. The right knee has full range of motion without clinical evidence of pain or weakness.,Prior to October 7, 1996, the veteran's allergic rhinitis was characterized by postnasal drip and nasal obstruction, with no objective evidence of moderate crusting or atrophic changes. Saddle nose deformity was noted but not documented on the most recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchitis and rhinitis were incurred in service, and thus granted service connection for these conditions. The lumbar spine condition claim was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen it.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, sinusitis/rhinitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and a skin disorder (claimed as tinea cruris and tinea pedis) are granted. The claim for left knee disorder is not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis. The case will be remanded for further consideration, including a determination on whether the reopened claim is well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a dislocated right shoulder, multiple upper respiratory problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and an abnormal 'cardio' test. The decision also noted that the veteran did not submit evidence of PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not warrant a compensable rating at any point since January 1, 1993.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis is well-grounded. The VA will provide further examination and development to determine if a compensable evaluation can be assigned for her cervical strain with muscle spasm and headaches, as well as whether she should receive a separate rating for her noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded. The current evaluation of 50 percent for anxiety reaction is maintained as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry into service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head trauma and allergic rhinitis, as well as a compensable rating for costochondritis. The evidence did not support these claims.