Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2008

The veteran's seasonal allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis/rhinitis. The claims of service connection for a heart disorder and rheumatoid arthritis were denied.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he does not have an employment handicap and his existing education and experience are sufficient to secure suitable employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, breathing problems (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rhinitis), erectile dysfunction, neck disability, sleep apnea, and increased rating for chronic back strain. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen previously denied claims.

The veteran's claim for service connection for allergies and hay fever syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred in service and is related to her period of active duty. The claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 of Title 38 of the United States Code due to a lack of an employment handicap.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his conditions did not warrant a higher rating or additional service connection. The right ankle disability was rated at 20 percent, sinusitis with allergic rhinitis was noncompensable, and residuals of second degree right ankle sprain were also rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as his claim for an increased rating for right knee disability. The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions during service or in a presumptive period, and concluded that any current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing allergic rhinitis did not worsen during service and therefore, service connection is denied.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement for allergic rhinitis was January 18, 2005, and for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of a creative organ was February 22, 2005.,The veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), anxiety, and initial compensable evaluation for hypertension were not addressed as they are separate issues from the service connection and increased rating claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder and allergic rhinitis, finding no relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including back injury, left knee injury, rhinitis, pharyngitis, neck injury, and chronic ear disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis were not incurred or aggravated in service, nor are they caused by a service-connected condition. The claim is therefore denied.

The Board granted service connection and assigned initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, GERD, and left arm lymphedema. The lumbar spine disorder claim is pending in the RO.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have service connection for rhinitis, status post rhinoplasty or sinusitis.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic allergic and vasomotor rhinitis, with deviation of the septum, and chronic maxillary sinus changes. Service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including proper VCAA notice and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his headaches.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA appeal records and VA treatment records.

The veteran's service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision.