Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for sleep apnea are being remanded due to lack of compliance with previous Board directives. The case is also being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are rated at a 10 percent level. The Board found that the Veteran has more than 50% obstruction of nasal passages on both sides, warranting a separate rating for allergic rhinitis. However, there is no evidence of nasal polyps to support a higher rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected allergic rhinitis is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran needs to be examined for both conditions, with a focus on whether his symptoms are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The claims for service connection of right leg disorder, left leg disorder, sinusitis, and hypertension have been dismissed.,The claim for service connection of sleep apnea has been reopened and granted. The Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to his active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that new evidence supports a link to service. The Board determined that the Veteran's symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, running eyes, coughing, and headaches during service are consistent with his current diagnoses.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with a non-compensable rating assigned for allergic rhinitis.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been manifested by symptoms including constant drainage down the back of his throat, fullness, and a bad taste in his mouth. However, there is no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis was dismissed.,Claims for service connection for plantar fascitis of the right and left lower extremities, arthritis, severe joint pain, and tinnitus were all dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of sense of smell and allergic rhinitis due to incomplete STRs. The RO is instructed to attempt to locate and associate with the claims file any missing STRs, including those from Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions and the cause of death due to potential outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis is denied. A separate 30 percent rating for sinusitis is granted from April 13, 2012.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating of 10 percent for sinus disease is granted from December 1, 2011. A rating in excess of 10 percent for sinus disease since September 25, 2017 is denied. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinus disability, obstructive sleep apnea secondary to a sinus disability, fibroids with resulting hysterectomy, and initial compensable evaluation for service-connected endometriosis. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for sleep apnea and lower extremity radiculopathies. The remand also includes requests for effective date determinations and increased ratings.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for emphysema, ear problems, and asthma has been withdrawn. The claims for service connection for a head injury, rhinitis, sinusitis, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and left knee/leg disability have all been granted or denied.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to his active military service, as there was no evidence of injury or disease in service that could have caused these conditions.,Service connection for a respiratory disability other than allergic rhinitis was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of insomnia or any other sleep disorder disability. For his degenerative disc disease, the Board determined that the evidence did not support a finding of a current disability warranting an increased rating beyond 10 percent. For his allergic rhinitis, the Board concluded that the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran seeks service connection for allergic rhinitis and a sleep disorder, both secondary to his service-connected fracture of the nose. The Board has determined that additional opinions are needed.,The Veteran also seeks service connection for sinusitis. His claim is currently pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hand tremors, cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and allergic rhinitis due to new evidence or further clarification of the medical opinions.