Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claims can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinus condition was noted on entry to service and did not undergo an increase in severity during active duty. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinions provided were not in compliance with previous remand instructions, necessitating further development to determine if the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was permanently worsened beyond its natural progression during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's eye condition. The appeal is currently in a pending status.

The Veteran's claims for ear fluid condition, fluid in lungs, bilateral elbow conditions, bilateral knee conditions, and bilateral upper extremity conditions were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities. The claim for stomach condition was reopened due to new medical treatment records showing a gastric antral prepyloric ulcer.,The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, eating disorder, allergic rhinitis (mucus nasal congestion), and right parotid mucepidermoid cancer were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU. The claim for an increased rating for bronchial asthma was granted to a 60 percent rating, effective from the date of the May 2011 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including a traumatic deviated septum and allergic rhinitis, are not causally related to or aggravated by an event, injury, or disease in service. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a broken nose is denied.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent disability rating for his left shoulder disability was granted from September 1, 2008 to March 20, 2014. From March 20, 2014, the Veteran is now rated at a higher 20 percent.,The Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling for the entire rating period on appeal.,The Veteran's left Achilles tendonitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling for the entire rating period on appeal.,The Veteran's status post perforated nasal septum with allergic rhinitis is rated at 30 percent, the maximum disability rating available.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis did not result in greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, or nasal polyps. As such, the criteria for a compensable disability rating have not been met.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and bilateral deviated septum were found to not meet the criteria for a compensable initial evaluation, as they did not manifest with nasal polyps or complete obstruction of one nasal passage. The residuals of fracture of the right fifth metacarpal and bilateral ankle strain are pending further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and rhinitis are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, and service connection for sleep apnea. The effective date claim was also denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal service connection claim prior to August 31, 2010.

The Veteran's right frontal maxillary sinusitis with chronic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Meniere's disease, coronary artery disease, lumbar strain, duodenal ulcer, chronic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, radiculopathy of the right leg, and residual scarring, render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and records to determine the severity of her service-connected conditions and to clarify her claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and because an SOC has not been issued for some of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his sleep apnea, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing medical opinions regarding her current diagnoses and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling new VA examinations, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.