Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic rhino-sinusitis, status post septoplasty is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression disorder has been granted a 30 percent rating, effective October 29, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to evaluate the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Veteran's left shoulder subacromial bursitis with left medial scapular and upper trapezius myofascial ligamentous strain was rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The duodenal ulcer was rated at 20 percent throughout the appeal period.

Both the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for bronchial asthma and an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis have been withdrawn by his representative before any final decision was made. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, to include sinusitis and rhinitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions were denied, with the exception of service connection for allergic rhinitis from February 20, 2007 through March 9, 2008. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claim for a testicular disorder.

The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, fibromyalgia, thyroid disability, gastrointestinal disability, upper respiratory disability (sinusitis and allergic rhinitis), skin disorder, and hysterectomy are related to service. As such, these claims have been granted.,The Board has also found that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, fibromyalgia, thyroid disability, gastrointestinal disability, upper respiratory disability (sinusitis and allergic rhinitis), skin disorder, and hysterectomy are related to service. As such, these claims have been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional opinions regarding its etiology. The appeal is again REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it at least as likely as not that the condition began during active duty service. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from July 31, 2007. Service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions, or that any such disabilities are causally related to military service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available for this condition. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of the Veteran's disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current residuals of his in-service injuries or conditions, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to active service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The evidence does not show a marked limitation of motion, which is required for a higher rating. For TDIU, the Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating was found to be less than 60% and he did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on his education and work experience.

The Veteran's service connection claims for gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sinus and gastrointestinal disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-service existence or aggravation during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and rhinitis are related to his period of active service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine, cervical spine, respiratory disorder (manifested by sinusitis and/or rhinitis), and respiratory disorder (manifested by asthma) conditions are not related to her military service. Her hypertension is also not related to her military service.