Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis have been rated as 10 percent disabling since the appeal period began, with no higher ratings warranted based on the evidence.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are denied as they are already at their maximum schedular ratings. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been rated at 30 percent since April 8, 2014.,Prior to January 15, 2013, the Veteran had greater than 50% obstruction of both nasal passages. From January 15, 2013 to October 16, 2013, he had bilateral nasal polyps.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was granted a 0 percent rating effective August 26, 2005. The lower extremity vascular disabilities were granted separate 10 percent ratings for each leg effective August 26, 2005 and increased to 40 percent effective September 13, 2012.

The Veteran's GERD has been manifested by persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. The Board finds that a higher initial 30 percent rating is warranted for GERD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by polyps or greater than 50% obstruction of a nasal passage, and the claim for an initial compensable rating was denied.

The Veteran's nasal fracture disability was initially rated as noncompensable prior to April 25, 2015. Beginning on that date, he is entitled to a compensable rating of 10 percent for his service-connected nasal fracture and vasomotor rhinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and denied the increased rating claim. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is considered to have been incurred in service, while his COPD and chronic bronchitis are found not related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a nose injury and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current scar on his nose is considered to be related to an in-service injury, thus granting service connection for this condition. Service connection was not established for any other conditions listed.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding all issues, including service connection for various ankle and knee disabilities, sinus disorder, left thumb sprain, lumbar strain, shoulder degenerative joint disease, and onychomycosis of bilateral feet. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings have been granted, with the left shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative changes receiving a 20 percent rating. The right and left foot disabilities each receive a 10 percent rating prior to April 27, 2012, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. Allergic rhinitis receives a non-compensable rating. Post-operative scars on the right ankle and left shoulder are also rated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and needs further development to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability, including sinusitis, rhinitis, and allergies, is related to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but found that the Veteran's hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The other claims were also addressed and denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current dizziness to service or a service-connected condition. Service connection for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was granted, but not at a compensable rating as there were no incapacitating episodes of sinusitis or 3-6 non-incapacitating episodes per year.