Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2011

The Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including COPD and rhinitis/sinusitis, are service-connected as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for alopecia areata, sinusitis/allergic rhinitis, and left knee disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for rhinitis as there are in-service findings, a current diagnosis, and competent evidence tending to establish an onset of rhinitis during service. The benefits sought on appeal are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have current sinusitis and the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and the issuance of a statement of the case regarding an initial evaluation in excess of 0 percent for allergic rhinitis.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed lumbar spine disability and his sinus and GERD disabilities are not related to service. The claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied, while the claims for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and GERD with hiatal hernia remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and skin disorder are service-connected as they were present during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and chronic back condition, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his psychiatric disorders and physical disabilities. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these factors.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis and rhinitis are not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or significant nasal obstruction. The Veteran's service-connected asbestos exposure syndrome and COPD do not warrant an increased rating due to lack of supporting medical documentation.

The Veteran's acne is not shown to be deep or scarring, and does not affect more than 40% of the face and neck. The Board finds no basis for a compensable rating.,There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for dermatofibroma of the bilateral lower extremities.,Service connection has not been established for allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and several antibiotic allergies (claimed as allergies).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by an accident, and not due to his service-connected conditions. However, as he had been rated totally disabled for over five years prior to his death, the claimant is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome has been rated as noncompensable since November 27, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 10% rating for active conjunctivitis.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not met the criteria for a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6511.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected sinusitis with allergic rhinitis. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that her conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on current medical evidence. The appeal was dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right knee disability, left trigger thumb, and nose bleeds is withdrawn. For sinusitis with rhinitis, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 24, 2009, and 30 percent from that date, has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is manifested by obstruction of the nasal passage, and she has been granted a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been granted. The cold injury residuals of the upper and lower extremities have also been found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and allergic rhinitis with post-nasal drip were aggravated by his service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, which the Board finds is as likely as not related to his military service.