Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions have been dismissed, and the Board has remanded the cases to the AOJ for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding earlier effective dates.

A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective November 18, 2008. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's pleurisy is denied as not related to service or a service-connected condition. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, rated at 10% prior to May 27, 2016 and now rated at 10%, is also denied.

The Board has expanded the service connection claim to include sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The case is remanded for a new VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted. Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, muscle and joint pain of the back and shoulders, PTSD, and stimulant use disorder and alcohol use disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, particularly his asthma and epididymitis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The specific issues on appeal include ratings for various service-connected disabilities and a claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The Board also found that he had a current diagnosis of bilateral knee conditions, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and denied service connection for swollen bilateral ankles.,Service connection was granted for hearing loss and tinnitus due to exposure to loud noises during service. The bilateral knee conditions, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma were not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his active service, but additional evidence is needed for other conditions. The Veteran will need to provide updated treatment records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including reopening service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, determining a rating for low back disability, and examining the etiology of sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and asthma with sleep apnea are all rated as they currently stand. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the left knee disability and asthma with sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis with atopic asthma and chronic bronchitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and onychomycosis as these conditions are found to have had their onset during the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis and testicular cancer residuals are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and IBS. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and respiratory disorder (rhinitis). The appeal is remanded for additional examinations.,PTSD was granted, while the other conditions were not.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective from the date of this decision. The other claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed.