Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran's allergic rhinitis preexisted active service and did not undergo a permanent worsening as a result of active duty, thus denying her claim for service connection.

The VA has granted service connection for hallux valgus of the right foot, hallux valgus of the left foot, and allergic rhinitis. Noncompensable ratings have been assigned for each disability since September 1999.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis was granted, effective July 1, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed psychiatric, sinus, ear, and low back disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service. The appeals for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis/rhinitis and deviated nasal septum, post-operative, are likely due to conditions in service and have granted service connection for both.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted a compensable rating of 10 percent for COPD prior to January 21, 2002. The claims for tinnitus, sinusitis, hemorrhoids, and allergic rhinitis were denied.

The veteran's skin cancer and tinnitus were found to be related to service, but the original compensable rating for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was denied. The claim for a skin disorder other than skin cancer was reopened due to new evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities did not result from or increase in severity due to his pursuit of VA vocational rehabilitation training, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinitis, finding that the veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service treatment and diagnosis of sinusitis/rhinitis.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis, nasal fracture, and deviated septum does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder, sinusitis with rhinitis, and reduced lung capacity (asthma) were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The veteran was diagnosed with these conditions after separation from service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's rhinitis does not warrant a rating higher than the current 10 percent evaluation, as it is currently manifested by difficulty breathing through the nose with approximately 60 to 80 percent obstruction.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various disabilities, including musculoskeletal issues of the ankles, knees, hips, wrists, arms, shoulders, and spine; bilateral foot disability; right eye disability; and fibrocystic breast disease. The decision is based on a finding that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis was aggravated by her period of active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's disabilities render him unable to adequately attend to the needs of daily living without the regular assistance of another person, warranting special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a traveling Member of the Board and providing appropriate notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for vasomotor rhinitis, finding that his complaints of upper respiratory symptoms during service were acute and transitory, and did not result in a chronic condition. The slight nasal septum deviation noted on separation examination was attributed to a pre-existing fracture of the nose prior to service.

The VA determined that the veteran's rhinitis with history of frontal sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent rating.

The veteran's dizziness and fainting spells are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War. Hay fever is not shown to have increased in severity during service, but it is not considered due to service either. Insomnia and frequent indigestion were not incurred or aggravated by service.