Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's chronic rhinitis, a respiratory disability, had its onset in service and is related to his active duty. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation in any of the periods specified.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional evidence. The case will be reconsidered after obtaining a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), a left ankle disability, hearing loss, Meniere's syndrome, and a spine disability. The appeals are based on new evidence submitted after previous denials.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, to include as secondary to sinusitis with allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis with allergic rhinitis warrants a rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of his claim for increase in October 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis (now claimed as sinusitis and previously claimed as breathing/nasal condition) is being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether his pre-existing condition worsened during active service.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and rhinitis due to insufficient evidence in the record, including a lack of medical opinion linking these conditions to service. The Veteran is requested to provide names and addresses of all relevant medical providers and VA records are sought.

The Board found that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence of any such condition during his period of service and the most probative evidence fails to link it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations and the obtaining of updated medical records to determine appropriate disability ratings for her GERD and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for the initial increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome, right knee and chronic allergic rhinitis as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including eye/vision disability, skin disability, schizophrenia, cervical spine disability, chronic rhinitis, degenerative joint disease (including osteoarthritis of the spine), peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The decision is mixed as some issues have been granted while others remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding her undiagnosed illness or Gulf War service. Her initial rating claim for PTSD is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis was denied as there is no evidence of current allergic rhinitis during the pendency of this claim. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was also denied due to insufficient evidence linking it to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current allergic rhinitis/sinusitis is at least as likely as not incurred during his active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination for allergic rhinitis and notification of the criteria for reopening his previously denied claim of TMJ disability. The RO will also consider whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, as well as his claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus problems, allergic rhinitis, a right shoulder disorder, a neck disorder, and tinea versicolor. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic skin disorder of the feet, left ankle disorder, or throat disorder (including tonsillitis and sore throat) that is related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.