Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2001

The veteran's service-connected chronic rhinitis is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis with retro-orbital headaches and allergic rhinitis, but denied the other claims. The veteran's PTSD was granted a higher staged rating from June 6, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred in service, as evidenced by symptoms and diagnoses of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis during his military service.

The veteran's chronic lung disorder and sinusitis with allergic rhinitis are service-connected, with the latter receiving a 30% evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and other service-connected conditions were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms that warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any residual disabilities from his tonsillectomy for which a compensable rating is warranted under applicable VA regulations.

The VA determined that the veteran's sinusitis and asthma warrant initial ratings of 10 percent, with sinusitis receiving a higher rating due to more frequent episodes requiring antibiotic treatment. The decision also noted that the veteran had multiple surgeries for his sinus condition.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently evaluated as noncompensable, and his right thumb and wrist fractures are each rated at 10 percent.,Both the right thumb fracture and right wrist fracture do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, excluding hypertension; a skin condition; allergic rhinitis; and a headache disorder. The evidence does not support the presence of any chronic cardiovascular or skin conditions during service or at present.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly evaluate the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obtaining medical examinations and records.

The veteran's low back pain/strain is currently rated at 20% effective from the date of original service connection.,The veteran's chronic sinusitis/allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 30%, with a maximum potential rating of 50%. The veteran has had 3 or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged treatment (4 to 6 weeks).

The Board has determined that the combined service-connected disability rating is correctly calculated as 50 percent. The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's vocational goal of becoming a gunsmith is reasonably feasible for purposes of entitlement to vocational rehabilitation and training under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31, as his education and work experience are sufficient to find suitable employment.

The VA denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's left shoulder disability is not rated higher than the current 10 percent evaluation.,Service connection for a low back disability, right hip disability, sinus condition and/or allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, and stomach disorder are denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's status post hemorrhoidectomy, effective from the date of the decision. The increased evaluations for allergic rhinitis and tension headaches remain noncompensable.

The VA denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right elbow lateral epicondylitis and left elbow lateral epicondylitis are not service-connected, as they do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a direct link to service. The allergic rhinitis is also not service-connected because it does not qualify under the provisions for undiagnosed illnesses related to service in the Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, variously classified.