Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2012

The Board finds that the Veteran's respiratory condition, including allergic rhinitis and sleep apnea, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's deviated septum is rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating. The claims for service connection of headaches, rhinitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, scar residuals of the face and head, chronic headaches, and sinusitis are denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is manifested by near constant stuffed nose, intermittent bloody nose, breathing problems, and subjective polyps. However, the evidence does not show greater than 50 percent blockage of the nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches, claimed as migraine headaches, is granted. The remaining claims are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and allergic rhinitis (sinusitis) effective November 14, 2005. The claim seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for sinusitis is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional medical opinions regarding his service connection claim for headaches, and for a determination on TDIU. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, but has not decided whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's symptoms have been noted since discharge from service, but there is no clear evidence linking his current symptoms to service or to allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence in the record, including a lack of VA examination reports. The Veteran is also referred to obtain private treatment records from Dr. J. and Dr. F.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disability, low back disability, allergic rhinitis, and residuals of an ingrown toenail are still pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for service-connected chronic lumbar strain and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions including bilateral foot disabilities, left and right hip/knee disabilities, rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, residuals of a nasal fracture (including deviated septum), sleep apnea, and chronic folliculitis. The Veteran's hearing loss is also service connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including those related to his cervical and lumbar spine conditions. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute combined drug toxicity, which resulted from medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the cause of death was related to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for episodic generalized allergic reactions and allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for her asthma, nor did it show any obstruction of nasal passages due to allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's deviated nasal septum was established during active duty.

The Board has determined that further development, including VA examinations, is needed prior to adjudicating the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of her requested increases or establishing service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran does not have a current right ankle, foot, or knee disability. She has been diagnosed with GERD and irritable bowel syndrome which had their onset in service.,Service connection is granted for GERD and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting allergies and/or sinus problems were permanently worsened by his service.