Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and GERD have been rated at the lowest available levels (10%) throughout the appeal period.,Both conditions are not shown to meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.

The appeal is currently in remand status due to missing records and the need for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records and providing new VA examinations.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 30 percent. The Board finds that the current rating adequately accounts for his symptoms and does not warrant an increased rating or extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board granted the request to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for TMJ disability, based on new and material evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for the residuals of a nasal fracture. After reviewing all available evidence, including a private medical opinion linking current diagnoses to an in-service injury, the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and left stomach scar.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination regarding his service-connected allergic rhinitis and right hip disability, as well as secondary service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for seasonal allergic rhinitis and granted it, finding new and material evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the underlying claim.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right elbow disorder, left foot disorder, or allergic rhinitis with sinusitis during service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Veteran's post-service medical records do not document any complaints, findings, or diagnoses related to these conditions.,As such, the claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of right and left shoulder bursitis, as well as the compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The remaining issues of service connection for optic neuropathy, COPD, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling error for an in-person hearing at the RO. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sinus disability and diverticulosis are etiologically related to his active service, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed respiratory disability, including allergies, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The claims will be reviewed in light of new evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's low back disability, hypertension, residuals of urethral stricture and surgical repair, and hemorrhoids have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each. The effective date is November 1, 2008.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective April 26, 2009, due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, manifested by mucous retention cysts in the paranasal sinuses, has been rated at 30 percent since December 24, 2011.