Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease, which is service-connected. The appellant is recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse and thus eligible for DIC benefits.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of an increased rating for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and is considering the issues of service connection for pleurisy and a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected left toe amputation, allergic rhinitis, and left thigh varices have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to address the causation or etiology of any current upper respiratory disabilities, including any sinus disorders and deviated septum. The examiner should also identify any disabilities caused by the deviated septum.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for postoperative allergic rhinitis and service connection for a right subtalar joint disability, finding that there was no in-service injury or event that could have caused his current disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right upper extremity pain. The appeals were not granted as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an eye disorder, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The denial was based on a finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the eye disorder claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a gastrointestinal disorder (IBS, gastritis, Grave's Disease) have been granted. The effective date for the GI disorder is set at February 12, 2001.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for Reynaud's disease and continued denial of service connection for reactive arthritis. The Veteran's sinus headaches were rated at 10 percent, but the allergic rhinitis was not compensable.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including the residuals of a laminectomy, sinusitis with rhinitis, hypertension, and bursitis of the left shoulder, have met the percentage requirements for the award of a schedular TDIU. Competent evidence indicates that these disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted service connection for sarcoidosis and assigned a noncompensable rating effective August 5, 2008. The Veteran's multiple joint and muscle arthralgias are rated as part of the sarcoidosis with an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.,Service connection was denied for hypertension due to lack of a nexus to service. Service connection was also denied for high cholesterol because there was no underlying disability shown.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a higher initial rating.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, and right hand disorder were all granted. However, service connection for right ear hearing loss was not established.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in a November 2012 statement, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to issue a Statement of the Case on the issues of entitlement to an effective date earlier than February 18, 2014 for the grants of service connection for allergic rhinitis, right hip trochanteris pain syndrome including bursitis, left knee strain, and right knee strain.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and examination, as well as consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's headaches, including migraines, and a respiratory disorder (chronic vasomotor rhinitis) are found to have had their onset in service and thus service connection is granted for these conditions.