Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches did not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Veteran's headache disorder is secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury. His insomnia, diagnosed as chronic sleep impairment due to PTSD, is part of his service-connected disability rating for PTSD. The VA examiner found no evidence of fibromyalgia or muscle cramps and joint pains that could be attributed to an undiagnosed illness.

The case is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities affect her ability to work, either individually or in aggregate. The AOJ will then re-adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder (meniscal degeneration) and denied service connection for allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's left knee disorder is found to have its onset during active duty, while his allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for service connection as there is no evidence of an in-service event or diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD and allergic rhinitis do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for rhinitis, finding that it is less likely than not related to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and private treatment records. The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis will be evaluated to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's prostate condition, including prostatitis and prostate cancer, is presumed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current sinus disability did not have an onset during service and is not etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by painful motion and limited range of motion at the shoulder level, warrants a 20 percent initial rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU since January 13, 2003, due to his service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded for further action, including a VA examination to determine if any current respiratory disability (including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis) are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to complete an examination for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, as requested in a previous March 2015 decision. The Veteran's claims are now pending again.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and migraine headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions pre-existed service and did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal passages is attributable to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and his residual disabilities include right facial neuralgia and chronic rhinitis. The criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, but the Veteran's claim remains pending as he has provided new and material evidence to reopen his previous claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and right elbow s/p knot removal; and to left elbow-arm secondary to left shoulder. The Veteran's other claims were not supported by the evidence of record.