Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and deviated nasal septum of the left side, status-post septoplasty have been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current allergic rhinitis is reasonably shown to have had its origin during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, upper respiratory, and right ear hearing loss disabilities were denied as they are not related to his active service.,There is no indication that the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to any period of inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his left ear, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, hypertension, and a skin condition. The decision also addressed issues related to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and lower back disability.

The Board granted a 10% rating for chronic rhinitis from November 7, 2005, until July 12, 2006. As of July 13, 2006, the Veteran's condition warranted a 10% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sinusitis or rhinitis, and there is no evidence linking his current conditions to service. Therefore, he cannot establish service connection for these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis includes a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran currently suffers from chronic sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is related to service and grants service connection for this condition. The claims for scalp allergies, eye allergies, and skin allergies are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected postoperative residuals of a nasal septum deformity with vasomotor rhinitis is being remanded due to the inextricability of issues related to chronic sinusitis and headaches. The Board also requests additional information regarding the location of the Veteran's recent nasal surgery.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for gastritis and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, including VA treatment records from Renown Health since September 2009. The Veteran is also required to undergo a new VA examination to assess her current disability levels.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is manifested by permanent hypertrophy of the turbinates and difficulty breathing during periods of acute flares. The Board finds that a compensable rating (10%) is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for service-connected allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral hearing loss have not met the criteria for higher initial evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for hepatitis C, but not for the other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right olecranon osteophyte existed prior to his entry into active military service and was aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for a sleep apnea disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected deviated left nasal septum with allergic rhinitis. The initial rating claim for the deviated nasal septum disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo was denied. The reductions in disability ratings for her thoracolumbar and cervical disabilities were granted, but the reduction for her cervical disability was not supported by evidence at the time of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, chronic rhinitis, and right wrist disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lung disability, diagnosed as COPD, is not related to his active service or any aspect thereof, including his service-connected rhinitis, sinusitis, or deviated septum.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability prior to April 28, 2010 due to service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantial gainful employment.