Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as a result of the current diagnosis. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have dizziness and fainting due to military service, but rather these symptoms are associated with his diagnosed cardiac disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to meet the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU since April 20, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have met the schedular criteria for TDIU from March 25, 2005 to April 1, 2008 and since April 1, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder, onychomycosis (toenail fungus), allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, and asthma are related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including conjunctivitis, right ankle disability, left foot/ankle disability, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, Meniere's disease, hypertension, bilateral hand disability, and generalized arthritis. The appeal was also denied regarding a claim for increased ratings for certain disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sinus condition, including sinusitis and rhinitis, was not incurred in or is otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including chronic bronchial asthma and chronic rhinitis, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the condition pre-existed service and did not undergo an increase in severity during his second period of active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar myositis with painful motion, cervical and upper back myositis, irritable bowel syndrome, left and right C8-T1 radiculopathy, a left varicocelectomy scar, allergic rhinitis, and left and right L5-S1 radiculopathy, preclude the Veteran from securing or following gainful employment.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is found to be caused by his service in the Persian Gulf. Service connection for this condition is granted. The Board finds that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a direct link between the Veteran's sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to his service-connected rhinitis and/or PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's lung and nasal disorders are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and examining the Veteran to determine if his conditions are related to service exposure.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various service connection claims, including those related to psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, arthritis, and dental conditions. The Board also remanded several issues for further development.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 10 percent, and his allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis and breathing problems, including as a result of asbestos exposure, are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and securing a VA addendum opinion from the May 2016 respiratory examiner to address the etiology of the Veteran's current respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's 10% disability rating for allergic rhinitis/sinus condition was reduced to 0%, effective August 1, 2009. The reduction was not proper due to sustained improvement in the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience prior to February 13, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his medical history.

The Veteran's GERD had its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are addressed in the remand section following the decision.

The Veteran seeks increased ratings for small obstructive airway disease and allergic rhinitis. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for small obstructive airway disease prior to January 11, 2016 or in excess of 30 percent thereafter.,The Veteran also seeks an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating as there is no indication of greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, or polyps.