Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no current evidence of a chronic right rib contusion or other claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nasal disability, rated at 10 percent, does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on symptoms such as marked interference with breathing space or more than approximately 50 percent obstruction of either nasal passage.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disabilities, in combination, are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupation experience. Therefore, he is entitled to non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected, but the Board has ordered a remand to determine if her sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and vernal conjunctivitis have aggravated her sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his nasal/sinus disability and skin irritation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran's claims file should be sent back to the VA clinician who provided the February 2012 addendum for another addendum addressing the June 2008 private opinion and answering all of the questions asked in the Board's January 2012 remand.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, combined with a deviated nasal septum and now confirmed nasal polyps, warrants a 10 percent rating effective February 24, 2009.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for pansinusitis with allergic rhinitis, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6510.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims for service connection and increased evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of allergic rhinitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), onychomycosis, and hypertension. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure or other diseases associated with such exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development due to insufficient evidence on the applicable theories of service connection.

The Veteran's preexisting allergic rhinitis worsened during active military service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The GERD claim was also granted with a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his in-service exposure to burning human waste. The decision is considered erroneous because it disregarded favorable medical opinions based on the Veteran's history.

The Veteran's lower back disorder, chronic rhinitis, trigeminal neuralgia, ear disorder (otitis), and respiratory disorder (asthma) are not service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for a sinus condition, determined to be a direct result of the Veteran's military service without any need for reopening or additional evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disabilities were not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and gastritis, finding that there was no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side for allergic rhinitis. The rating assigned for gastritis did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and examination to address his claims of service connection for a throat disorder, hypertension rating, and effective date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable colon syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity have been withdrawn by the authorized representative. The claims of increased ratings for residuals of a right index finger disability, GERD, fibromyalgia, non-cardiac chest pain due to undiagnosed illness, rhinitis with sinusitis, skin disorder (including tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and psuedofolliculitis barbae), and onychomycosis of the toenails have been granted. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance remains pending.