Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2005

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for seasonal allergic rhinitis, finding that the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis effective July 1, 1991. However, the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent and a separate rating from chronic sinusitis was denied.

The veteran's appeal for higher initial evaluations for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal in a written statement.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for a nondisplaced fracture of the right fibula/right ankle and allergic rhinitis, status-post polypectomy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for service connection for intermittent fatigue and respiratory infections with sinusitis are not supported by competent evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness, and thus denied.

The veteran appealed for higher ratings in both migraine headaches and sinusitis/rhinitis, which were remanded by the Board.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic rhinitis, finding no evidence linking current rhinitis to a disease or injury in service.

The veteran's allergic/vasomotor rhinitis with a history of pneumonia is not rated higher than 10 percent, and he has been granted a separate 10 percent rating for recurrent pharyngitis.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic allergic rhinitis is due to disease or injury incurred in service, and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for post-traumatic maxillary sinusitis with osteomeatal unit narrowing and rhinitis, finding that the veteran's symptoms met the criteria for this rating.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to perform most activities of daily living without actual assistance from others.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection and increased rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining and retaining employment consistent with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests; she does not have an employment handicap.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has found that the veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred during service and is attributable to service. The issue of a higher initial rating for sinusitis is pending due to a lack of a statement of the case.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, may not be presumed to have been incurred in active service, and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records, including nerve conduction studies and a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses. The issues include seeking higher initial ratings for left hand disability, bilateral maxillary sinusitis, and nasal rhinitis.

The Board has determined that there is no current medical evidence of allergic rhinitis, and thus the veteran's claim for service connection for this condition cannot be granted.