Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2002

The VA determined that the appellant does not have a current hearing loss disability, chest disorder, chronic bronchitis or chronic pulmonary symptoms, sinus bradycardia, or chronic allergic rhinitis. The Board found no evidence of service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease with bypass graft, have resulted in permanent loss of use of both lower extremities. Additionally, he has blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less. As a result, the veteran is eligible for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The veteran's service records show he had symptoms of pseudofolliculitis barbae and sinusitis/rhinitis during his military service. The VA examinations confirmed these conditions, leading to a grant of service connection for both.

The Board has determined that the criteria for a permanent combined 60 percent rating are not met, as the veteran's service-connected disabilities may improve with treatment and do not have a static or permanent nature.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it was not manifested by polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bronchial asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, ethmoiditis and pharyngitis, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and a left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis with sinusitis does not warrant a higher initial evaluation, as there is no evidence of more than occasional congestion or incapacitating episodes.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's disabilities, including anxiety neurosis with dizzy spells and defective vision, require the aid and attendance of another person to protect him from daily hazards. As a result, he is entitled to special monthly pension at the aid and attendance rate.

The veteran's allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis have not resulted in greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or the complete obstruction on one side, nor is it productive of or associated with polyps. The veteran's chronic sinusitis does not manifest by three or more incapacitating episodes per year or more than six non-capacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to his symptoms experienced during and after military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's allergic rhinitis was incurred as a result of active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that there is no current disability and insufficient evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic rhinitis with history of sinusitis warrants a 30 percent evaluation, reflecting more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, finding that the disability did not meet criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions, finding that the appellant's period of active duty was discharged under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct. The Board also found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran developed sinusitis and allergic rhinitis during service, and the Board finds that these conditions are related to his military service. The VA has granted service connection for these disabilities.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, finding severe limitation of motion. The current 10 percent rating for sinusitis and rhinitis is maintained.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for sinusitis and rhinitis, finding that the evidence did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under either the former or revised VA rating schedules.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under VA rating criteria.