Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's asthma was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, as it existed prior to his entrance into active duty.,Service connection for sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, dense paracentral scotoma of the left eye, and allergic rhinitis have been denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of glaucoma or any other disability related to these conditions. The Veteran's left eye scotoma resulted in a 20/15 vision with an average contraction of 54 degrees in his visual field, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His allergic rhinitis was characterized by three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis without any incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling since September 1, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether this rating has been warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current residuals of a TBI other than headaches, and thus cannot establish service connection for decreased complex integrated cerebral function disturbance. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet or one hand and one foot, or blindness in both eyes, or render him permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied an initial, compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis and a TDIU claim. The Veteran's appeal is now on remand to provide additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's skin disability is found to have had its onset in service and he is granted service connection. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis does not present with polyps, greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction of the nasal passage on one side, thus preventing a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinion and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lung and respiratory disorders are not related to his military service, specifically asbestos exposure. The more probative evidence does not support the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence and a need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and procuring a supplemental opinion from a pulmonologist.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, which he contends is related to conditions like allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, dysthymic disorder, hypertension and degenerative arthritis of the spine. The Board has decided that further development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service.,Service connection was not established for a bilateral wrist disability due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee degenerative joint disease, left ear hearing loss, migraine headaches, and allergic rhinitis have been granted effective from August 19, 2013. The Veteran is now rated at 10 percent for each of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for all issues on appeal, including a comprehensive dermatological examination and a new VA respiratory examination. The case is being remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's headache disorder is due to his military service, specifically as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis. The Board has found that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board finds that the Veteran's daughter, L.M.H., is not entitled to dependency benefits as a 'helpless child' due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age eighteen. The evidence does not show she was permanently incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect at the date of her 18th birthday.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sinus disorder, including allergic rhinitis, was not incurred during service and is not related to any event, injury, or disease in service.

The Veteran's asthma with chronic allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's chronic rhinitis with sinusitis was productive of the equivalent of 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage, but not polyps, incapacitating episodes of sinusitis, or three non-incapacitating episodes per year prior to December 2, 2008. For the period from December 2, 2008, no compensable evaluation was warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the necessary examinations.