Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees, migraine headaches, varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities, and allergic rhinitis have been granted initial disability ratings. Service connection for urinary tract infection and sinusitis has been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea and various ENT disorders did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and are not related to service. The claims were denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory condition or skin condition that is related to his active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's seasonal allergic rhinitis was not shown to be more than 50% obstructive, thus a compensable rating is denied.,There is no evidence of chronic increase in bilateral pes planus due to service. The pre-existing condition was not aggravated by active service.,No current disability manifested by bilateral tibial pain (shin splints) has been established.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The main issue remains unresolved regarding an earlier effective date for his 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis with asthma and history of upper respiratory infections.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The other claims, including those related to tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, a positive tuberculin tine test, and lung disability, were denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 28, 2007 for the award of a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of a nasal fracture, postoperative with chronic rhinitis. The Veteran's claim is denied for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right buttock, rhinitis, and hemorrhoids were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and service connection for asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his residuals of left mastoidectomy and scar was denied. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for the residuals, and only granted a 10 percent evaluation for the scar beginning June 15, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and a right knee disability prior to the specified dates, as well as in excess of those ratings since the specified dates, are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and gastrointestinal disability, other than the service-connected residuals of ventral hernia repair complicated by small bowel obstruction, are denied. The claim for a compensable rating for migraine headaches is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an 'internal organ disability', gastrointestinal disability, recurrent throat infection, and vasomotor rhinitis was denied as there is no competent medical evidence supporting the existence of these conditions in service or due to toxic poisoning.

The Board has determined that the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her physical disabilities, which necessitates assistance on a regular basis to protect herself from daily environmental hazards. The decision grants special monthly compensation for a surviving spouse based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's rhinitis and headaches are not related to service, including as due to undiagnosed illness in the Persian Gulf. The evidence does not establish chronic disability manifested by symptoms of rhinitis and headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorder to include asthma and allergic rhinitis are related to his active service, granting these claims.

The Veteran's FSG with hypertension is rated at 60 percent effective February 24, 2006.,Prior to April 14, 2005, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for her chronic allergic rhinitis. Beginning April 14, 2005, she is rated at 30 percent for sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected rhinitis/sinusitis/allergies did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to March 13, 2008 and was rated at 10 percent thereafter. The criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Board denied service connection for a sinus condition and residuals of a Hepatitis B infection, finding no current disabilities or evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma with allergic rhinitis was granted, but the initial evaluation assigned is noncompensable. The Board requested additional medical records to support the claim.