Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for onychomycosis, service connection for sinusitis, and service connection for allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for further development. The other issues will be decided as is.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of nasal injuries including a deviated septum and nasal blockage, nor does he have chronic rhinitis. The claims are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his service connection claim for allergic rhinitis, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a nose fracture, service connection for allergic rhinitis, low back pain, and residuals of frostbite to his ears. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher initial rating and an earlier effective date for service connection of allergic rhinitis, finding that no evidence existed to support an earlier effective date than January 16, 1990.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis with rhinitis and assigned a noncompensable initial evaluation, which was later increased to 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed in its entirety due to his representative withdrawing the appeals for all issues.

The veteran's service-connected back disability requires regular aid and attendance, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board found that the veteran's current allergic rhinitis is not related to service, and denied a compensable evaluation for his scar status postoperative appendectomy. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, athlete's foot, and tonsil disorder due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.