Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis, do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found no new and material evidence to reopen his claims. The right hip disability was rated at 10 percent prior to February 6, 2013 and at 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal for an initial higher rating of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine, T11-12. The case is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records and schedule a VA examination for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and rhinitis/sinusitis are granted, as his conditions were first shown during active duty service.

The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim requires further development due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA records and a VA examination. The appeal is remanded to allow for these steps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sinus disability, diagnosed as allergic rhinitis, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sinusitis is related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable Diagnostic Code.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, left shoulder strain, and residuals of a fracture to the right little toe were granted. Service connection was also established for dry eye syndrome and bilateral eye disability (glaucoma). The Veteran's left ankle disability and associated scars are rated at 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral maxillary sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The remaining issues are being remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's temporomandibular joint syndrome is service-connected, but her claimed allergies are not considered a disability for which service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of vision loss, left eye; hypertension; a left knee disability; allergic rhinitis; hearing loss and tinnitus have been withdrawn prior to the Board promulgating a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of all received evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating prior to May 14, 2009, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the ratings for his lumbar spine disability and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective December 31, 2012. The initial rating for allergic rhinitis remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and psychiatric disorder were denied.,Service connection was also denied for allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been denied as the claims are not supported by sufficient evidence. The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause, which is a legal determination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis has been reopened, but his request for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss remains denied.