Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claimed conditions of fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and muscle pain are not service-connected. Cardiovascular disorder (episodic tachycardia) and HTN were diagnosed post-service but without a clear link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for allergic rhinitis, iliotibial band syndrome of the left knee, or lumbar strain. Therefore, service connection is denied for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchial asthma with hay fever and residuals of malignant melanoma with lymphedema, claiming as a scar. The denial was based on lack of new and material evidence to reopen the claim for bronchial asthma with hay fever and insufficient evidence linking the current skin condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, considering his educational and occupational background.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including left wrist disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome with extensor tendonitis (claimed as right wrist disability), muscle deterioration with pain and aches, bilateral foot disability, tinea pedis, bilateral shoulder disability, and allergic rhinitis, sinus problems and sinusitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder, rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from September 21, 1999, until February 6, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis was denied. The issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is referred back to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for perennial allergic rhinitis with chronic postnasal drip is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis and initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the current diagnosed conditions are not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, but her claim for a TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable disability ratings for his left knee disorder, rhinitis, and GERD were granted. He is currently assigned a noncompensable (0%) rating for each of these conditions.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a lung disorder or allergic rhinitis, and thus denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current allergic rhinitis first manifested in service and is related to his active duty, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in a 40 percent disability rating. The Board also granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his inability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and vasomotor rhinitis are currently evaluated as non-compensably disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied this claim. The claims for bilateral pes planus and hemorrhoids are pending as additional medical evidence is needed.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly assess the Veteran's spine, sinus disability/rhinitis, and sleep apnea claims. The case is being remanded for these purposes.