Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected non-allergic rhinitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his current level of hearing impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis resulted in greater than 50-percent obstruction but less than complete obstruction of only one nasal passage with no polyps prior to March 7, 2013. The criteria for a compensable rating were not met.

The Board has granted service connection for CMC arthritis of the left thumb and sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise with respect to whether these conditions are related to active military service.

The Veteran's hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis claims have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101 (hypertension) or service connection based on direct evidence of these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current nasal problems are less likely than not to represent an aggravation of his pre-existing nasal conditions and are at least as likely as not to represent the natural progression of his pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service, including exposure in the Gulf War theater. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his/her appeal with respect to all issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder other than COPD, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The appeal will now be considered on its merits.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing treatment records and clarifying the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her scars and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for allergic rhinitis has been denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for chronic bronchitis with allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is found to be etiologically related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis with pharyngitis is rated at 10 percent, while his degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee are currently not assigned a rating due to lack of evidence indicating service connection theory other than direct.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been evaluated as noncompensable under the applicable rating criteria. The evidence does not demonstrate an obstruction greater than 50 percent on both sides, complete obstruction, or nasal polyps.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for current VA examinations to determine the current severity of her service-connected disabilities, and for obtaining all outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip arthritis and allergic rhinitis are at least as likely as not incurred during his service in Vietnam. The claims for colonic polyps have been remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's left shoulder, sinus, vasectomy residuals, and left ankle disabilities are all found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis as his combined rating is 40 percent, and he has not demonstrated that he is unemployable due to these conditions.