Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2016

The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to his service or to his service-connected coronary artery disease. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from the December 2011 VA examiners regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for non-allopathic rib cage has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis, including rhinitis and bronchitis, was incurred during active service.

The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral pes planus, scar above the right eyebrow, and allergic rhinitis were not found to warrant higher ratings. The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome with synovitis was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination with an ENT specialist to assess the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disability of the nose and dysfunction in the left ear, including whether a separate rating is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an eye disorder (myopia) is granted as it was aggravated by a superimposed injury during service.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis disability is denied as there is no evidence of nasal obstruction or polyps.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and thus service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability and allergic rhinitis are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including hay fever and asthma, is presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature, severity, and cause of any respiratory disorders found to be present.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic Sinusitis/Allergic Rhinitis, and Residuals of Right Leg Injury (Punji Stick Wound). Bilateral Hearing Loss is not considered a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current breathing disability (chronic rhinitis) and stomach disabilities (diverticulosis, GERD) did not have their onset in service or are otherwise related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder issue is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

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

The Veteran is seeking service connection for respiratory disorders, including asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis, and seasonal allergies. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination to determine if his military service caused or aggravated any preexisting conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and/or rhinitis, as well as secondary service connection for sleep apnea to sinusitis/rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis has not been productive of three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, nor more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge. The Veteran's thoracic spine dextroscoliosis with lumbar spine levoscoliosis disability is productive of at least painful motion since the effective date of service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence or credible lay statements supporting a current diagnosis of left ankle disability, gastrointestinal disability (gastroenteritis), hypertension, sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, the Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that he is entitled to a higher evaluation due to more than six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current allergic rhinitis is related to his service, and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected asthma.

The Veteran's rhinitis and left leg peripheral neuropathy were not rated higher than the assigned noncompensable or 10 percent ratings prior to February 8, 2016. After this date, his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.