Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2000

The Board has denied a higher rating for the veteran's rhinitis and sinusitis or allergic rhinosinusitis, initially assigned a 10 percent evaluation, effective from April 1990.

The veteran's claim for service connection for allergies, including allergic rhinitis and tinea versicolor, is granted.,Service connection is also granted for the right knee disability (chondromalacia patella). However, a higher rating of more than zero percent is denied.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims were therefore denied as not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim is well grounded and VA has a duty to assist in its development. The appellant presented medical evidence linking his current disabilities, including bronchiectasis, to his service-connected pneumonia.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as they are not well-grounded based on the lack of evidence showing a nexus to service.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic rhinitis/sinusitis with nonprostrating headaches does not warrant a higher evaluation, and her bilateral hearing loss and left wrist strain do not meet compensable criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial disability evaluations for his service-connected deviated nasal septum, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and degenerative osteoarthritis of the right hip. The maximum schedular ratings were already assigned.

The Board has determined that the appellant's flat feet were incurred in active military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as the clinical findings are not sufficiently comprehensive to evaluate the disorders under the current rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and recurrent right inguinal hernia, with the hypertension receiving a 20 percent rating effective from August 1, 1992.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of her claims, including whether she seeks service connection for a deviated nasal septum secondary to her service-connected respiratory conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for chronic rhinitis, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the original decision granting service connection for asthma, but not for rhinitis. The denial of restoration was upheld as consistent with applicable law.

The veteran's sinusitis with vasomotor rhinitis and headaches were rated at 30 percent effective October 20, 1999. The issue of post-operative residuals of a deviated nasal septum remains on appeal.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for allergies and a right shoulder disability. The VA examinations did not find any current residuals of these conditions, leading to the denial.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated as zero percent disabling, and the Board denied a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Board Member at the RO.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and assistance, or based on permanent housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for hypertension with sporadic premature ventricular contractions. The issues of low back disability, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis with enlarged turbinates, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were also addressed but are pending further development.