Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred during active service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for the full-dollar rate of DIC benefits due to her residence in the Philippines, and her service was with the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines. The Appellant does not meet the criteria for increased DIC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has not found new and material evidence to reopen the claims for bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot fungus condition, or leg length discrepancy.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as service-connected, with the condition being proximately due to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for a sinus disorder, and the Veteran's symptoms in-service and post-service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome and asthma, seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is productive of a disability picture that more closely approximates greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides, warranting a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to January 15, 2013 or any disability rating in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is presumed to be due to asbestos exposure during service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, PTSD) may also be related to service. Service connection for substance abuse was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected ethmoid sinusitis and laryngitis have been rated appropriately at the current levels, with no need for higher ratings.

The Veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, so a compensable rating for the condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and maxillary sinusitis and vasomotor rhinitis, as well as his claim for TDIU, were denied by the RO in September 2009. The Board remanded these issues to allow for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran currently has a current disability of allergic rhinitis, but there is no evidence to support a finding that this condition was incurred or aggravated during his service. The Board noted that he had symptoms related to allergies and sinus issues during his service, but these were not diagnosed as allergic rhinitis until after service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess her left knee disability, bilateral foot disorders, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between current conditions and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis and rhinitis did not begin in service or as a result of service, and thus denied his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of bronchitis or sinusitis during the appeal period and his primary symptoms are more consistent with allergic rhinitis. Therefore, service connection for upper respiratory infections is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a Social and Industrial Survey to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.