Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her thoracic and lumbar spine disability, gluten enteropathy and GERD, and left foot disability do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The issue of an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending and requires further review.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD, and did not assign a compensable disability rating for maxillary sinusitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

The Board has reduced the Veteran's rating for allergic rhinitis from 30 percent to noncompensable, finding that her condition had improved and no longer met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's asthma with allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and all manifestations of her service-connected allergic rhinitis, including whether it causes polyps or nasal obstruction on both sides. The issue of TDIU is also referred back to the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right elbow tendonitis, hypothyroidism, allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and depression. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and fibrotic cyst disease of the left breast were denied. The Board found that her allergy symptoms are likely due to service, but there is no current diagnosis of fibrotic cyst disease of the left breast.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinus condition was not present in service, did not manifest within one year of discharge, and there is no nexus between her current condition and service. The appeal for service connection for a sinus condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. As a result, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sinusitis, rhinitis, and headaches are post-traumatic in nature and directly related to his September 1969 in-service injury. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's residuals of status post bladder suspension are productive of continual urinary leakage requiring the wearing of absorbent materials at least four to five times a day, and she is granted an initial disability rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis, left great toe osteoarthritis with hallux valgus deformity, and allergic rhinitis have been granted. However, the evaluations for these conditions remain at zero percent.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent prior to March 17, 2009 and increased to 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but denied service connection for hay fever and sinus disease and numbness of the feet and toes. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic cough and seasonal allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of medical records.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disability and sinusitis/rhinitis, including through medical examinations. The Veteran will be provided with further instructions on providing stressor details and his claims for service connection will be adjudicated based on the updated evidence.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including Parkinson's disease and tremors, a respiratory disorder claimed as asbestos exposure, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, hypertension, prostate disability, and a respiratory disability (claimed as allergies, hay fever, and asthma). The claims were either not supported by the evidence or new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing nasal disability was aggravated by surgery performed during active service, and therefore grants service connection for residuals of nasal surgery.