Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2011

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's terminal hospitalization and addressing whether his service-connected hypertension contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sinusitis was denied, and his initial rating of 30 percent for tonsillitis and residuals of a tonsillectomy has been maintained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and issuing a SOC on the issues of service connection for lumbosacral strain, chronic allergic rhinitis, and respiratory disorder (due to undiagnosed illness).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of substantial compliance with the Board's May 2010 remand directives. The case will be readjudicated after appropriate development, including scheduling VA examinations and determining whether referral for extraschedular evaluation is warranted.

The Veteran's sinus disability, characterized by near constant sinusitis with headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent nasal discharge, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The appeal for an increased evaluation has been granted.

The Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board has determined that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) should be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any nasal/sinus/respiratory disability, including COPD, asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and deviated septum. The Veteran's service treatment records indicate respiratory symptoms in service, but no definitive diagnosis was made.

The Veteran's service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted as the condition was aggravated by his military service.

The Board has requested further development due to unclear diagnoses and the need for additional testing. The Veteran is required to provide information about any VA or non-VA treatment during a specific period, and all identified records must be obtained.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic neck condition and a chronic sinus condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, deviated septum, and scarring of the right tympanic membrane are not supported by the evidence of record. The Veteran's conditions have been diagnosed but do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and a Social and Industrial Survey to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,The claim of new and material evidence to reopen a left knee disability has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's in-service diagnosis and ongoing treatment since discharge are sufficient to establish a link between her current condition and active duty.

The Veteran's right knee strain with degenerative disc disease and cervical spine disc disease are service-connected, as they are related to his in-service injuries. His allergic rhinitis is also service-connected.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. His thoracolumbar spine disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling since September 6, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, throat disability, and vasomotor rhinitis. The Board found no current disabilities related to service or toxic exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence related to his claims. The issues include whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for sinusitis, as well as entitlements for allergic rhinitis and leaky gut syndrome.

The Veteran's headache disorders are found to be causally related to or aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis and PTSD. The issue of a higher initial rating for allergic rhinitis is remanded as the Veteran disagrees with the assigned disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, claimed as allergies, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,Based on the evidence of record, the Board concluded that anxiety disorder is related to the Veteran's active military service.