Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection are not addressed as this is a procedural matter.

The Veteran's sinusitis, also claimed as allergic rhinitis, has been evaluated at a noncompensable level since the initial grant of service connection in August 2007. The evidence does not support a compensable evaluation due to no more than x-ray-detected sinusitis with occasional episodes of headaches and facial pressure.,The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at a noncompensable level, but meets criteria for a 10% rating based on moderate symptoms involving frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and bilateral plantar fasciitis have been granted, but the effective date remains unclear due to a typographical error in the original rating decision. The initial compensable ratings for both conditions are denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. Service connection is also established for tinnitus, with a rating of 10 percent effective from January 2008. The claims for increased ratings for chronic rhinitis and chronic epididymitis remain denied.

The Veteran's sinusitis/allergic rhinitis is manifested by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and mild internasal edema. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes or nonincapacitating episodes with purulent discharge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis with sinusitis is characterized by congestion, rhinorrhea, sinus headaches, purulent discharge, and pain. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent as her symptoms do not warrant such an evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a hypodense liver lesion and found that the Veteran's pansinusitis and allergic rhinitis warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The issue regarding an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for pansinusitis and allergic rhinitis is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's time as a Cadet at West Point and scheduling her for a VA respiratory examination to determine the etiology of her claimed sinusitis, rhinitis, and bronchitis.

The Board has denied service connection for a pulmonary disorder, sinusitis, and chronic prostatitis. Service connection was granted for allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his employment capacity.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's death and service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen his claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to determine whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, claimed as sinus conditions, were caused or aggravated by his time in service.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected allergic rhinitis was denied as there is no evidence of nasal polyps or greater than 50% obstruction of both nasal passages.

The Veteran is seeking an initial higher rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from his time in Japan and requesting an opinion on the etiology of his respiratory conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis with anosmia is rated at 10 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 6275. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating or separate ratings for any other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the point that he is unable to perform the duties of his Master's Degree in Business Administration, and the occupation has not been found unsuitable due to his abilities and employment handicap. The Veteran has failed to cooperate with employment placement efforts.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will also undergo a VA examination to determine the severity of his disabilities.