Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the appeal can be decided, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current respiratory disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that there is no current chronic bronchitis or rhinitis, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of the need for aid and attendance or being permanently housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions of diabetes mellitus, type II, allergies (presumably allergic rhinitis), and cataracts are not related to service exposure to neurotoxins. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the durational requirement for a total disability rating at the time of his death, and there was no clear and unmistakable error in previous decisions. The claim is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's lumbar spine condition was rated at 10 percent prior to January 5, 2005 and since then has been rated at 20 percent.,The veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent. The veteran's left hip strain remains rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of tinnitus, service connection for mental disorder, vertigo, and allergic rhinitis were all denied. The RO found that the maximum schedular rating for bilateral tinnitus had been assigned, and there was no evidence linking any current disabilities to service or service-connected conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's claimed disabilities, including headaches, musculoskeletal chest pain, aching muscles, allergic rhinitis, anemia, bilateral foot pain, and stomach pain, are not service-connected as they do not have a link to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disability or skin disorder related to service. The veteran's claim for substance abuse was denied as it is not considered a disease for VA compensation purposes. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and allergic rhinitis were also denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his sinus disability, right knee disability, and left shoulder (minor) disability. The appeals were based on chronic rhinitis/sinusitis, a right knee disability, and a left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the veteran's current allergic rhinitis is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis does not warrant a higher rating, and his urticaria does not meet criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board denied increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left hands, finding that the veteran's disability did not meet criteria for a compensable or higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for a psychiatric disability and assigned an initial rating of 10 percent effective August 30, 2002. The veteran's psychiatric disability was increased to 30 percent effective April 11, 2001.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and readjudication of his claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The veteran's claims for residuals of a laceration of the right index finger, shin splints, and seasonal allergic rhinitis were denied. The claim for postoperative scar of the left knee was also denied.