Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected seasonal allergic rhinitis and hypertension have not been found to warrant an initial compensable evaluation at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal in a December 2016 written statement, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is rated at 30 percent, but the appeal for increased ratings on secondary issues (sleep disorder and psychological disorder) was not addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, tinnitus, left shoulder disability, and allergic rhinitis are all service-connected.,The evidence supports the Veteran's claims for these conditions, with a preponderance of the evidence showing their onset during his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder. The remaining claims are denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not been shown to cause more than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on either side, and there are no nasal polyps. Therefore, an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury and respiratory disability, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The preponderance of the evidence does not support these claims.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, constipation, gastritis, dysphagia, duodenitis, and esophagitis, is granted service connection. The Veteran's chronic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory and sinus conditions are not related to his in-service nasal fracture, and service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of the Veteran's ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA status in August 2002 and 2009.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, as he requires continuous medication for control of his blood pressure.,The Veteran does not have a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis due to lack of polyps or significant nasal obstruction.,For the period prior to June 23, 2016, the Veteran's dermatitis is rated at 10 percent. Since then, it has been rated as 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated nasal septum resulted in less than 50 percent obstruction of both sides of the nasal passage throughout the relevant period on appeal, and thus does not warrant a compensable disability rating.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic sinus disorder or low back condition during service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,Service connection for both the claimed sinus disorder (allergic rhinitis) and low back disorder was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is found to be etiologically related to his active service, and he is granted service connection.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's vertigo to his military service. The claim for service connection for vertigo is denied.,The Veteran's throat disorder (allergic rhinitis) is not linked to his military service. Service connection for this condition is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and heart disability are not related to his military service or periods of ACDUTRA.,There is no evidence in the record linking the current conditions to any period of active duty, inactive duty training, or service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his SSA records, Army Reserve treatment records, and VA outpatient treatment records. He also needs a new medical opinion regarding the onset of his hearing loss and low back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right thumb condition was rated at 30 percent, effective June 1, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic rhinitis did not originate in service, was not caused by or aggravated during service, and is not etiologically related to any condition incurred or aggravated during service. The Board also noted a lack of continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Veteran withdrew his claims of increased ratings and new service connection for various disabilities, including cervical spine, nasal disability, wrist carpal tunnel syndromes, bilateral hip disorder, and facet syndrome.