Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's sliding hiatal hernia has been rated at 30 percent since February 3, 2015. The right ankle strain and TDIU issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs, allergic rhinitis, and GERD have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent each.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, respiratory disorder (sinusitis and allergic rhinitis), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The claims of chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, lung cancer, and TDIU are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the preexisting conditions did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that his deviated septum, allergic rhinitis, and hernia repair scars did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess her need for aid and attendance and whether she is housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The issues on appeal are whether service connection should be granted for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to sinusitis with allergic rhinitis or chronic pain from service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was denied. The Board found that hyperlipidemia, a laboratory test result, is not a disability under VA law and therefore cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic rhino-sinusitis, status post septoplasty is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records and medical records.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not been productive of polyps, an obstruction of the nasal passage greater than 50 percent on both sides, or a complete obstruction on one side. As a result, he is not entitled to an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for a low back disability, allergic rhinitis, and left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis. The remaining issues are either not addressed or remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis improved and no longer warrants a rating higher than 10 percent. The reduction from 10 percent to 0 percent was proper as there is evidence of improvement under ordinary conditions of life.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis or rhinitis, and the Board finds no service connection is warranted for these conditions.,Bilateral hearing loss was also denied as it is not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lung disability and its relationship to service. The Veteran will need a comprehensive respiratory examination, including a pulmonary function test (PFT), by a qualified physician.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic nasal condition other than allergic rhinitis and granted a rating of 30 percent for cervical spine disorder, effective July 23, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with some conditions receiving a presumption of herbicide exposure and others being granted based on the evidence presented.

The Veteran's chronic respiratory disability, including asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis and acute respiratory distress, was neither incurred in nor aggravated by service.