Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2000

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected allergic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, and pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. The conditions were evaluated under a direct service connection theory without any presumption or secondary basis.

The Board has granted an initial compensable evaluation of 10% for the veteran's service-connected scar, right eyelid. The claim for rhinitis/sinusitis is not supported by evidence meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation. An initial compensable evaluation of 10% is also granted for degenerative spurring, cervical spine.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment based on his educational attainment and occupational experience.

The veteran's dyshidrotic eczema of the hands is currently rated at 30 percent, which meets his claim for an increased rating.,The veteran's chronic low back strain is currently rated at 10 percent. The RO granted a higher rating to 30 percent effective November 14, 1995.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma, and headaches as not well grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine conditions, left ankle fracture residuals, and allergic rhinitis.

The veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and septoplasty residuals are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that a separate 10 percent rating is warranted for the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for allergic/vasomotor rhinitis with headaches, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right wrist disability, and lumbosacral strain (back).

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and residuals of an ear infection are not well-grounded, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found no competent evidence linking the veteran's current upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and rhinitis, to service. The claim is not well-grounded.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disability and high cholesterol, but remanded the issue of the veteran's entitlement to an increased rating for chronic rhinitis. The RO conducted a VA medical examination in July 1999 and later reduced the rating for chronic rhinitis from 10 percent to 0 percent without considering the requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.344. The Board restored the 10 percent rating for chronic rhinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and assigned a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic hoarseness and laryngitis, and allergic rhinitis. The veteran was not granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Board finds that the veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia is well-grounded. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and an eye disability are not well-grounded.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracic spine disorder and ratings in excess of the current 20 percent for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, as well as sinusitis/allergic rhinitis. The veteran's conditions are currently rated based on their severity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis with allergic rhinitis warrants a 10% evaluation, but his right foot disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and an increased rating for hypertension. The case of the evaluation to be assigned for upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to acute gastritis is being remanded.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of tinnitus and a higher evaluation for maxillary sinusitis. The case has been remanded due to the need for an additional hearing before the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for Graves' disease and sinusitis with rhinitis, finding that her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's skin condition, stomach problems, migraine headaches, dysthymic disorder, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The joint pain is considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness as per the Persian Gulf War criteria. Residuals of a hysterectomy are also considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness.