Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's current chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis was not incurred in or aggravated by his service, including his service in Saudi Arabia. The VA examiner concluded there was no evidence of sinus problems during military service and that worsening symptoms upon return from service were likely due to environmental factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, or any pulmonary disorder. The preponderance of evidence is against service connection for these conditions.,There are no records showing chronic bronchial asthma or other pulmonary disorders in service or within one year after service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for sinusitis/allergic rhinitis and left knee scar have been withdrawn. The right knee derangement appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are found to be causally related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing rhinitis was aggravated by his military service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, clarification of evidence, and consideration of new medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination of his allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, including determining whether his current sinusitis, headaches, and sleep apnea are related to his military service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and respiratory disability (including asthma and obstructive lung disease) were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sinus disability, including allergic rhinitis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to a service-connected condition. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, but further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's sinus disorder other than allergic rhinitis is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated at 30 percent from April 4, 2008 to May 15, 2011 and increased to 50 percent effective May 16, 2011. Her iron deficiency anemia and leukopenia was rated at 10 percent beginning August 4, 2010. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's private medical records, including those from his last month of life. The case will be remanded for a new opinion regarding whether any service-connected disability contributed to or caused the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis with deviated septum has been rated at 10 percent since the appeal period began, and a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's sinusitis allergic rhinitis is rated at 30% since the entire appeal period. The Veteran's benign prostatic hyperplasia was granted a 20% rating from January 16, 2008 to June 18, 2008 and a 40% rating since then.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, posttraumatic stress disorder, and others, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and deviated septum, are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence indicates no chronic respiratory disorder during service and no nexus between current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for clarification of dates of service and additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of the appellant's claimed conditions.