Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including impairment of rectal and anal sphincter control, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, otitis externa, functional gastrointestinal disease, impotency, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board finds that chronic sinusitis/rhinitis, urinary tract disorder (manifested by hematuria), and peptic ulcer disease/gastroenteritis were manifested during the veteran's period of active duty service. Service connection is therefore granted for these conditions.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The veteran's case is now being remanded to the RO for additional examination and review.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently suffer from bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating, finding that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable. The issue of an increased rating for lumbar stenosis with bulging disc is remanded due to additional evidence received since the June 2002 Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disorder characterized as pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, acne, allergic rhinitis, and atrial fibrillation are all rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as a stomach disorder, gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis), sinusitis, and diabetes mellitus. The issues of reopening these claims were addressed.

The VA has granted a 30 percent rating for post-operative residuals of vasomotor rhinitis, including a deviated nasal septum. The maximum allowable under the old rating criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and an increased rating for allergic rhinitis, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for the service-connected allergic rhinitis prior to February 19, 1992.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred in active service and is granted service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a psychiatric disability, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and abdominal pain, all claimed as secondary to residuals of an appendectomy. The veteran was also denied an increased rating for his service-connected appendectomy scar.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including the issues related to rhinitis with sinusitis, left knee disability, and service connection for muscle pain, fatigue, a stomach disorder, a sleep disorder, memory loss, and a panic disorder.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for allergic sinusitis with rhinitis, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 6522.

The Board found that the veteran's current nasal disorders, including vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, did not originate in service.

The Board has granted a 50% rating for the veteran's service-connected cephalgia, effective December 12, 1996. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is set at December 12, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current sinus condition, including nasal trauma residuals and rhinitis, due to active military service. The Board also concluded that his currently diagnosed mild allergic rhinitis is not related to his period of active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder and acne vulgaris are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notification and development of evidence, including a need for an additional VA examination.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left hip and a 10 percent evaluation for chronic allergic rhinitis. The claim for sinusitis/pharyngitis with cough was not addressed as it is considered part of the service-connected chronic allergic rhinitis.