Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service connection claims for gout, allergic rhinitis and/or sinusitis, skin lesions of the bilateral lower extremities, migraine headaches, heart arrhythmia, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The Veteran's low back condition was also denied due to lack of clinical diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hypercalcemia, hepatitis C, a skin disability (dermatophytosis of the foot), left shoulder disability, allergic rhinitis, hyperparathyroidism, back disability, or sleep disorder. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated at 30 percent since May 4, 2009. The Board finds that the symptoms do not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been rated as 30 percent disabling since May 14, 2009. This rating is based on three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Board denied service connection for high cholesterol, a bilateral eye disability, and allergic rhinitis. High cholesterol was found not to be a disability for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis and rhinitis conditions did not pre-exist service. The case is now remanded for a supplemental opinion to assess whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by joint pain and osteoarthritis, to include fibromyalgia; thoracolumbar back and cervical spine disabilities; bilateral leg disability; right and left knee disabilities (other than service-connected left knee scars); an abdominal or gastrointestinal disability; respiratory disability (sinusitis and allergic rhinitis). Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Diabetes mellitus, allergic rhinitis, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), hemorrhoids, a skin disorder, bladder cancer, and herpes are all found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication of the claims. The AOJ will consider all evidence received since the last Supplemental Statements of the Case (SSOC) in conjunction with prior evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including COPD, right shoulder and hand disabilities, and hypertension, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, feed himself, prepare meals, or bathe without assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including gout, lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, rhinitis, kidney disability (chronic renal failure and bilateral renal cysts), hypertension, cystitis, erectile dysfunction, and migraines. The appeals are now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for arterial hypertension is moot due to its grant. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, PTSD, and allergic rhinitis have all been found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right maxilla and eye orbit, status post right sinus osteoplasty have been granted a 10% disability rating. The claim for increased rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's tinnitus and rhinitis claims.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is also granted increased ratings for his right knee instability and arthritis, as well as left knee arthritis.,Service connection for headaches secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis has been granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities. The claims are granted as these conditions have existed continuously since separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nasal disorder, including allergic rhinitis, had its onset during his period of active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

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