Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for rhinitis were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which he can receive VA compensation, as his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. For rhinitis, there was no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction or nasal polyps, which are required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals were denied for various conditions and benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected left deviated septum with rhinitis has been rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2015.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus disorders, including sinusitis and rhinitis, are not of service origin or etiologically related to her service-connected residuals of a fractured distal nares. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU under VA regulations. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection established for his thoracolumbar spine disorder and respiratory disorder. The initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is 10 percent prior to September 1, 2010 and 20 percent from that date. A separate increased 20 percent (but no higher) rating was assigned for right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical spine degenerative arthritis from June 20, 2006 to February 5, 2015, followed by a separate 40 percent (but no higher) rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for additional dependency benefits was granted with an effective date of December 1, 1995.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic rhinitis, generalized anxiety disorder, bilateral pes planus, tinnitus, sinusitis, esophageal hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and bilateral hearing loss, meet the criteria for a TDIU and VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left foot bunion/hallux valgus disabilities are manifested by painful motion, difficulty with sustained periods of standing or any weight-bearing of the feet.,For the period prior to July 17, 2015, the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is manifested by difficulty breathing through the nose and other allergy symptoms, with objective evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of her nasal passage on both sides. From July 17, 2015, the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is manifested by difficulty breathing through the nose and other allergy symptoms, with credible objective evidence of nasal polyps.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and the issuance of a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including cholecystectomy residuals, GERD, depression, knee disabilities, respiratory disorder, allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, skin disability, traumatic brain injury residuals other than headaches, headaches, right eye trauma residuals, dry eye syndrome, and erectile dysfunction are all granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, dry eye syndrome, and erectile dysfunction were found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and/or asthma with COPD. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's symptoms of allergic rhinitis and related sinus headaches are manifested by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The Board finds that a 30 percent rating for chronic frontal sinusitis is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his spine disability was denied due to failure to report for a scheduled examination.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and it is not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed respiratory/lung disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not require the assistance of another person in meeting his daily needs such as dressing, food preparation, and keeping himself ordinarily clean.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed sinus condition and ensuring all outstanding records are obtained.

The Veteran's left patellofemoral chondromalacia and subluxation are related to his active service.,Service connection is granted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection is denied for allergic rhinitis.,Service connection is granted for obstructive sleep apnea, secondary to PTSD.,Service connection is granted for a left knee disorder.,Service connection is granted for cardiovascular disorder (claimed as sinus tachycardia), secondary to PTSD.