Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as there was no objective pathology and no evidence of incapacitating episodes or nasal polyps.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection. The claims for COPD, dental disability, headaches, sinusitis, and rhinitis were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining verification of service dates, scheduling VA examinations for respiratory, ear, and psychiatric conditions, and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder and allergic rhinitis were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bursitis of the right shoulder, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis), right ankle pain, and mitral valve regurgitation. The initial ratings assigned for degenerative disc disease with spondylosis at L1-2 and L2-3, hepatitis B, residuals of a stress fracture of the right lower leg, and residuals of a stress fracture of the left lower leg were also denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and asthma were denied in March 1985. The RO granted service connection for lumbar strain, acne scars on both cheeks, a left ankle disability, acne scars of the back, and rhinitis with an effective date of September 15, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and her representative, requiring further review of the claim.

The veteran's headaches are rated at 10 percent, her allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and her left knee condition is service-connected.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, a disability evaluation for migraine headaches, and a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis. The decision is mixed as some claims are granted while others are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic allergic rhinitis was initially manifested during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's increased ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted. The other conditions remained at noncompensable or zero percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating, as they are currently rated appropriately under existing criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and coronary artery disease. The denial is based on a lack of current diagnoses or credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis was granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective from February 1, 2004. Her migraines and hypothyroidism were not addressed as the appeal is limited to her sinus condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected cervical spine, allergic rhinitis, and chondromalacia patella of the right knee. The veteran was not granted any additional benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right knee disability that is related to service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for vasomotor rhinitis and service connection for left knee disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional development.