Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2016

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specified dates for various service connection determinations. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim as there was no current diagnosis of such condition.

The Veteran is entitled to an annual clothing allowance for the year 2013 due to his use of a VA-provided ankle brace that causes premature wearing of his clothing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was reopened, and he is now entitled to a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis remain denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and hay fever, as well as his claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hiatal hernia and GERD due to in-service medication, were denied.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure and service connection for this condition has been granted. The other issues on appeal are pending further development.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis with deviated septum is rated at 30 percent, effective January 26, 2008.,The Veteran's postoperative residuals of a fracture of the left first toe with a scar are currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 26, 2008.

The Board is remanding the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected deviated septum and/or maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and sinus headaches.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an opinion on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected maxillary sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under the rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and reopening of previously denied claims were denied. The Board found that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen his claim for service connection for a deviated nasal septum.

The Board denied service connection for upper respiratory disability, headaches, and lipoma at the left temple or its residuals due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

For the period prior to May 14, 2014, the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was manifested by mild symptoms without obstruction of the nasal passages or polyps. For the period from May 14, 2014, the condition has been characterized by greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides with permanent hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates and no polyps.,For the period prior to October 2013, the service-connected sinusitis was productive of three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge. For the period from October 2013, the condition has been manifested by six or more non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge.

The Veteran's sleep disorder is granted service connection and his rhinitis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis are being remanded for further evaluation as the current state of his conditions has not been assessed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's rhinitis was caused or aggravated by in-service herbicide exposure. The sleep apnea claim is also deferred pending resolution of the rhinitis claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and allergic rhinitis had their onset in service, and the Board has found that these conditions are service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 26, 2011 for service connection of tinnitus has been granted. The effective date is set at March 4, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing new VA examinations.

The Veteran's sinusitis/allergic rhinitis with headaches is rated at 30 percent from the date of claim to November 3, 1994. A separate 30 percent rating for sinus headaches has also been granted.