Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's heart murmur, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and allergic rhinitis have been granted service connection. The RO is directed to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the severity of her bilateral knee disabilities and allergic rhinitis, with a focus on summer months for the latter condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for respiratory problems and allergic rhinitis, including interstitial pneumonitis, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, COPD, and sinusitis. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions and whether they are related to his military service in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's claims for headaches, allergic rhinitis, left shoulder disorder, and lumbar and thoracic spine disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis or service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's chronic rhinitis is related to his active duty service, while sinusitis was not diagnosed during service and there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinus conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current mild left ear hearing loss does not meet VA disability compensation criteria and there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. Right ear hearing loss was found to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for compensable disability ratings for beta thalassemia, hemorrhoids, and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and updated medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's service connection for vasomotor/allergic rhinitis was granted, and he is currently rated at 10 percent prior to January 7, 2010. From January 8, 2010 onwards, the rating remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hay fever and bronchial asthma are likely due to his military service, with hay fever preexisting his first period of service and aggravated by his second period of service. Bronchial asthma is shown as likely due to his second period of service.

The Veteran's appeal for reductions in the evaluations of her allergic rhinitis and eczema was dismissed due to a withdrawal request.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for the claims of service connection for a sore throat and allergic rhinitis, both related to service-connected residuals of septorhinoplasty due to septal nasal deformity. The Board is dismissing these appeals.

The Veteran's service connection claim for allergic rhinitis was granted as the condition was first diagnosed during her military service and has continued since then.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 14, 2010. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is not related to service or his service-connected left knee condition. The claim for sinusitis and rhinitis remains pending as there are no findings on remand yet.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, low back disability, and skin disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The diagnoses of these conditions are less likely than not related to any event or incident during her military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the cases are dismissed.