Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2000

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic sinusitis and rhinitis, as well as his claims for service connection for a stomach condition (ulcer) and diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis with allergic rhinitis did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his symptoms were no more than moderate and he had infrequent episodes.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected bronchial asthma with rhinitis, currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence shows that the veteran experiences shortness of breath on walking briskly two blocks or one flight of stairs, occasional wheezing, and seasonal exacerbations without requiring more than one visit to a physician every two months for care.

The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and right knee disorder are granted. The initial rating of 10 percent is maintained for allergic rhinitis, while a higher rating is denied since May 15, 1997, for the right knee disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate of pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The veteran's appeals for higher evaluations and service connection have been withdrawn. The claims for left ankle, right wrist, and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis disabilities are well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, Achilles tendinitis/plantar fasciitis of the left foot, and Achilles tendinitis/plantar fasciitis of the right foot. The appeals were based on service connection being established through the merits rather than a presumption or reopening due to new evidence.

The July 8, 1981 rating decision denying service connection for asthma and hay fever is not considered to have involved clear and unmistakable error. The effective date of the grant of service connection for seasonal hay fever and intermittent asthma was October 13, 1995.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations of her service-connected L5-S1 disc disease, varicose veins in both legs, allergic rhinitis with chronic maxillary sinusitis and viral syndrome, and urethritis, vaginitis, and cystitis was denied.,Specifically, the claims for increased evaluations were not granted as they did not meet the criteria under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and allergic rhinitis, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.,For the increased rating claim, the Board found that while the veteran's anxiety disorder is productive of not more than definite social and industrial impairment, it does not warrant an increase in disability rating beyond 30 percent.

The veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings was denied. Service connection for residuals of bilateral ankle injuries, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss were not granted. Service connection for allergic rhinitis and teeth 4, 18, 19, 30, and 31 was granted with the assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for chemical sensitivity, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, temporomandibular joint syndrome, and mechanical low back pain during active duty training from April 29 to September 7, 1970 are not well grounded.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for allergic rhinitis and a non-compensable evaluation for sinusitis, secondary to allergic rhinitis. The veteran's bronchitis is rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied service connection for rhinitis and did not grant increased ratings for the right knee disorder or low back disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, pneumonia, and COPD, as well as his requests for increased ratings for maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and deviated nasal septum. The effective date of TDIU was also not granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for rhinitis, finding that it is not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The remaining claims for service connection are not well-grounded as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link between any claimed conditions and service.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for maxillary sinusitis/allergic rhinitis as the veteran does not currently have active sinusitis.

The Board found no evidence of a well-grounded claim for service connection for bronchial asthma, chronic rhinitis, or major depression with psychotic features due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, allergies, throat and sinus disorder, and headaches due to undiagnosed illness. Service connection was granted for hyperactive airway disease with a rating of 10 percent effective May 31, 1994.