Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, headaches, bilateral epiphora due to allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, tinnitus, a tonsil disorder, and hearing loss, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected allergic rhinitis has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding his claims for initial noncompensable evaluations for onychomycosis and left hallux valgus, as well as his claims for service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The appeal regarding the lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder sprain, left ankle sprain, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches is pending.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule, and therefore his claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including sinusitis, rhinitis, and COPD, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.