Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of allergic rhinitis and bilateral hallux valgus were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's asthma and hay fever were noted at the time of his entry into service, but he was discharged due to hay fever. The Board is remanding the case for further development including a VA medical examination.

The veteran's appeal was denied as there is no evidence of a service connection for the claimed conditions, including learning disabilities and health problems in his children. The claim was dismissed due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hay fever and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for mechanical low back pain due to lack of evidence supporting a current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed allergy condition, which he experienced during his last two and a half years of active duty service, is related to the same condition he was treated for in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for allergies and hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is granted.

The Board found the veteran not eligible for educational benefits under the VEAP due to his failure to make contributions. The veteran was also denied vocational rehabilitation services as he did not qualify as having an employment handicap.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and assigned a noncompensable evaluation. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia is denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for a sebaceous cyst excision scar on the mid-back is also denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities, as they do not render him helpless or require assistance with daily activities.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence and the need for additional development.

The Board denied a compensable disability evaluation for the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, finding that there was no evidence of 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Board denied service connection for hay fever and a fungus infection of the left foot in January 1963. The veteran's claim to reopen these claims was also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied all service connection claims for various conditions, including eye disorders, respiratory issues, hypertension, skin disorders, and fatigue. The decision did not specify the basis for denial.

The veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are being remanded to the RO for further evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The chronic respiratory disorders, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, were diagnosed post-service and are not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, was incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's generalized joint pain, including left shoulder and wrist pain, is presumed to be due to an undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Gulf War. Service connection for bronchitis, heartburn and flatulence as due to an undiagnosed illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and right submandibular lymph gland swelling with pharyngitis are granted. The veteran's allergic rhinitis is not presumed to be related to his service in the Gulf War.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to unclear determination of the cause of his unemployability and need for further development.