Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current throat disorder and denied his claim for service connection, concluding that any symptoms he currently experiences are related to post-service conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been denied as the current ratings are considered adequate to compensate for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sinus/nose disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and another VA examination.

The Board finds that there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder due to an undiagnosed illness during service or continuity of symptomatology post-service. The Veteran's current COPD is attributed to her smoking history, not service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis was productive of polyps from November 30, 2006 through September 13, 2010. The condition is rated at a maximum of 30 percent during this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that none of the claimed disabilities were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and clarifying findings from previous examinations.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected deviated nasal septum, left and vasomotor rhinitis since September 1, 2006. The effective date remains at the earliest date of claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is related to his military service, specifically his in-service treatment for allergies beginning in 1970.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic rhinitis with frontal headaches began in service and has continued since, granting service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear sensorineural hearing loss, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's right ear hearing acuity was noted to be within normal limits throughout his military service and post-service evaluations. Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease (CAD) with a non-compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension and allergic rhinitis were evaluated based on their current manifestations, with the hypertension rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7101 and the allergic rhinitis rated as non-compensably disabling under Diagnostic Code 6522. The Board found that neither condition warranted a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA medical records. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered after all available evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and vasomotor rhinitis are not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary before the Board can adjudicate the issues on appeal, including providing the Veteran with additional or corrective VCAA notice and obtaining VA examinations for his low back disorder, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis have been rated at 50 percent since January 31, 2005. The rating is based on near constant symptoms including headaches, congestion, pain, and purulent discharge after surgeries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of injury to the mouth are related to his in-service car accident, and service connection is granted for this condition. The issue regarding residuals of injury to the nose remains pending as it requires further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation training at INSEAD in France was unique and not available in the United States, preventing him from attending due to personal hardship. The criteria for vocational rehabilitation training outside the United States have been met.