Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks service connection for a nasal disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The Board has determined that the current VA examination is inadequate and requires further clarification.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a sleep disorder, manifested by insomnia and an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective from April 15, 2014. The RO also granted an initial compensable rating for tension headaches and denied the remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, with polyps and moderate nasal obstruction on both sides, has been rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 30 percent since November 1, 2008.

The Veteran does not have a sinus disorder, other than allergic rhinitis, that was caused by his service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and therefore his claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was first manifested in service and the Board finds that it is related to his military service, granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee strain is related to service and granted service connection for this condition. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis with deviated septum was also granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent, as it meets the criteria for a non-compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The current rating of 30 percent for service-connected allergic rhinitis, status post rhinoseptoplasty with slightly deviated septum and headaches remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for TBI was received on November 17, 2009. The effective date of service connection is assigned as of that date.,An increased evaluation to 30 percent for allergic rhinitis is granted beginning August 30, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left elbow disabilities, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The evidence did not establish that any current disability was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected rhinitis disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current allergic rhinitis is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran's eye disorder and right thumb disorder claims are pending and require further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional development and medical opinion regarding service connection for sinusitis.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal concerning the issues of service connection for onychomycosis, bilateral pes planus, right foot hammertoe deformity, allergic rhinitis, genital warts, and anal fissures; and increased initial rating for hypertension, snoring status post tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharngoplasty, eczema, hypothyroidism, and a left elbow disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rhinitis and xerosis are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is found to be service-connected, and her chronic allergic rhinitis prior to September 13, 2012, warrants a 30% disability rating.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for allergic rhinitis and determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran's history of hay fever is noted in his entrance examination report, and there is equipoise regarding whether he was exposed to asbestos during active service. The evidence does not clearly and unmistakably show that any increase in the severity of pre-existing allergic rhinitis was due to the natural progress of the disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis was reopened and granted. The low back disability issue is being remanded for further development.