Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a low back disability, asthma and COPD, an enlarged prostate, impaired sensation in the left side and foot, and allergic rhinitis have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition during service or at any time thereafter. There is also insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claimed stressors for PTSD. For the back disability, asthma and COPD, and enlarged prostate, the record does not show a diagnosis or treatment related to these conditions in service or within one year after discharge. The claim for allergic rhinitis was denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, right heel hyperkeratosis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and posttraumatic headaches have been rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The Veteran is granted a compensable rating for each condition.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems with a lower left sinus cyst, and gall bladder problems, status post-cholecystectomy, all claimed as due to recurrent malaria. The Veteran's claims were reopened on new evidence but the service connection was still not granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis was denied as the evidence did not show more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection or a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hay fever, sinus disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board found no evidence of a current disability for each condition and concluded that the presumption of soundness applied to hay fever due to its absence at entry into service.

The Board has granted service connection for panhypopituitarism, and the Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his employability.

Effective October 20, 2007, the Veteran's bronchial asthma is rated at 60 percent, reflecting the need for intermittent systemic corticosteroids and FEV-1 of 75 percent predicted. The allergic rhinitis remains at its maximum schedular rating due to lack of exceptional factors such as frequent hospitalizations or marked interference with employment. The deviated septum does not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. Chronic headaches are not service-connected, but the claim for PTSD is reopened and new evidence submitted raises reasonable possibility of service connection.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and asthma, finding that the evidence did not establish a link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a compensable rating or service connection, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma, low back pain, cervical pain, and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board denied these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right arm or hand disability that is attributable to military service, or was caused or made worse by service-connected disability. The Veteran's stomach disorder and sinusitis are also not found to be related to military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a respiratory disorder and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

Effective from July 21, 2006, the Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the RO/AMC for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was not shown to warrant a compensable evaluation prior to June 20, 2007. After that date, the evidence did not show symptoms meeting the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding his claims for service connection for various conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and determined that his current respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis and chronic asthmatic bronchitis, are related to service. The decision is based on direct evidence of a connection between the Veteran's in-service exposure and his current condition.