Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's anaphylaxis (food allergies) and allergic rhinitis are rated at their maximum levels, while the claim for major depressive disorder is withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of whether the Veteran's sinus problems started during service and are related to his service in Saudi Arabia, or if they are related to other periods of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome, esophageal reflux, allergic rhinitis, and respiratory infection need to be remanded due to insufficient medical opinions in the original decision.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and found that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss was also granted, but the claim for a compensable rating for nasal disability (rhinitis/sinusitis) remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The increased rating claims for dermatitis of the hands and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for an allergy condition, including allergic rhinitis and/or hay fever, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a fracture of the right maxilla and eye orbit are pending.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection, including those for a spinal disorder, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis and rhinitis have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as he did not experience incapacitating episodes or significant nasal obstruction.,Tinnitus was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disability (including sinusitis and rhinitis) and sleep apnea are being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. No decision was made on the merits of any claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 28, 2011. The Board granted TDIU benefits based on the evidence showing that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to work.

The Board has granted service connection for perennial allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition manifested during active duty. Service connection for fatigue was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence clearly shows that the condition existed prior to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tuberculosis, hepatitis, chronic allergic conjunctivitis of the eyes, sinusitis, and heart murmur were granted. He was also granted a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis. The claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, hemorrhoids, and inguinal hernia with right testicle pain is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA audiological examination and obtaining any outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis and his request for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected right orchiectomy. His hearing loss, COPD, left wrist fracture residuals, scar from cyst removal, allergic rhinitis, and rhinoplasty/septoplasty are all rated at the lowest possible level (0%) due to their current severity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The issues are whether he has service connection for PTSD and a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as an additional medical opinion regarding his service connection claim.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's current sinus disorder is related to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.