Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking a current disability caused by rhinitis to service, and thus the claim for service connection for rhinitis is denied.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The residuals of his fracture of the left tibia and fibula with recurvatum of the left knee are currently rated at 30 percent from October 1, 1999, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His spinal stenosis is currently rated at 40 percent, which meets the criteria for that disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis, finding that there was no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side without polyps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, which had its onset during active service, warrants service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is related to her in-service complaints, and she has been granted service connection for this condition. The heart disorder is secondary to hypertension, but the examiner must determine if it was aggravated by active duty. The bilateral foot disorder may be due to surgery during active duty, and the nasal and eye disorders are likely due to service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent, and his headaches are separately rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing at his RO in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Board has recharacterized the appeal as one for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as due to exposure to burning chemicals and oils in the Persian Gulf War. The Veteran's STRs show treatment for nasal drainage and throat pain during service, and he currently reports ongoing symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis that was incurred during active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are consistent with his service-connected allergic rhinitis and reasonably attributable to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of allergic rhinitis and service connection for right ankle disorder are granted, with the right ankle disorder claim being reopened due to new evidence. The decision does not specify a rating or effective date.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to her service, and the Board denied all of her claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been denied as there is no current medical evidence of chronic conditions on examination.

The Board found no current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as secondary to otitis media.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chondromalacia of the left knee warrants a noncompensable rating, and his allergic rhinitis does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma, GERD, and allergic rhinitis are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and unverified periods of active duty. The Veteran's claim for reopening his service connection claims will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant records.

The Board found no evidence of current sinusitis or allergic rhinitis and determined that these conditions are not related to service. As a result, the Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions were denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and denied his claim for service connection. The chronic upper respiratory disorder was also denied as it is not related to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, allergic rhinitis, and microcytic hypochromic anemia were granted. The initial evaluations for these conditions are as follows: lumbosacral strain at 20%, allergic rhinitis at 10%, and microcytic hypochromic anemia is rated compensable.