Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn regarding the claims of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the lumbar strain and entitlement to an effective date prior to January 8, 2008 for the award of the increased 40 percent rating for the lumbar strain. The Board also found that his allergic rhinitis did not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation since March 10, 2006, and his bilateral hearing loss was not compensably rated at any time during this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, allergic sinusitis/rhinitis, ulcers, and hepatitis C, are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during service. The initial presumption of soundness upon entry into service is rebutted as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence (CUE) that these conditions existed prior to service.