Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's sinusitis with associated congestion and intermittent chest pain was rated at 30 percent effective December 15, 2015.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was rated at 10 percent effective February 23, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for residuals of mild TBI, chronic posttraumatic headaches, allergic rhinitis, trigger finger, and right eye disability have been denied. The criteria for these conditions were not met.

The Veteran's hypertension was denied service connection, while his allergic rhinitis received a non-compensable rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and chronic rhinitis and nasal congestion. However, both claims were denied because there was no evidence relating these conditions with active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis with maxillary sinusitis resulted in a 10 percent disability rating from February 25, 2015. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under other diagnostic codes.

The Board found no evidence of a lung/respiratory disability during service and denied the Veteran's claims for rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that there was insufficient medical nexus to link these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis with upper respiratory infection and allergies was granted, effective November 13, 1996.

The Veteran's neck and shoulder pain is presumed to be due to service in Southwest Asia, while his allergic rhinitis is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's sinus disability has not been manifested with upper airway obstruction, and he does not have a diagnosis of aphonia. The VA examinations were inadequate for determining whether separate ratings are warranted.,His service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 30, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's recurrent respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, is found to be related to his active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot arthritis was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for allergies (allergic rhinitis with sinusitis) was also denied, as the evidence does not show a link to her military service.

The Veteran's bladder disability other than stress incontinence, stress incontinence, sinusitis/allergic rhinitis, and gastrointestinal disorder (including GERD, hiatal hernia, and residuals of a hernia repair) are all found to be related to her service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine his eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant and service connection for voiding dysfunction.

The Board has granted a compensable evaluation (30%) for the Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis/allergic rhinitis, resolving the issue of entitlement to a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximates six or more episodes of non-incapacitating episodes causing nasal discharge, pain (sinus pressure), cough, and trouble breathing.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since January 29, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of very frequent prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. For allergic rhinitis, the Board finds no compensable rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the current existence of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and their etiology. The appeal will be remanded for such development.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral knee osteoarthritis is related to military service, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal regarding his claim of service connection for chancroid during a hearing before the Board. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis will be remanded for further development.