Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for left and right foot plantar fasciitis. Service connection is also remanded for bilateral pes planus and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, left ankle sprain residuals, sinusitis, and left ventricular hypertrophy with AV block are all granted as service-connected. The flat feet, allergic rhinitis, shortness of breath, hypertension, and IBS are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various conditions and increased ratings for disabilities. The effective dates of the awards are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential exposure to ionizing radiation in service, and for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6522.,The claim to reopen service connection for a low back disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim to reopen service connection for a right knee disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, secondary to rhinitis, was granted. The Board found that the evidence raised a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The claim to reopen service connection for a neck disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal of his increased rating for allergic rhinitis/sinusitis was dismissed. His petition to reopen a claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted, and he is entitled to a 30% rating for migraines prior to February 4, 2015. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension, sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis are all granted. The Veteran is awarded a 30% rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis since January 26, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence. The issues of service connection and TDIU remain pending.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for allergic rhinitis with deviated septum and remanded the issue of service connection for sinusitis. The Veteran's claim for separate ratings for his deviated septum disfigurement is not addressed as it was not raised in this appeal.

Service connection is granted for a left upper extremity nerve disability. The Veteran's initial increased ratings for his other service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not show at least 50 percent nasal obstruction in both nostrils, complete obstruction in one nostril, or polyps without the use of medication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a valid claim for service connection for any of the conditions listed, as there is no evidence showing they were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was granted a 30% rating from April 21, 2014 to July 31, 2014. The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further action.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for sinusitis with hypertrophic rhinitis remains February 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between her claimed conditions and her active service, as well as her service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for chronic rhinitis and a separate rating of 50 percent for chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms include recurring nasal polyps and near continuous sinusitis requiring multiple procedures to manage his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a nasal mucus membrane condition, including chronic sinusitis and rhinitis. The VA examiner is to provide an opinion on whether any diagnosed conditions became manifest during service or within one year of separation, were caused or aggravated by active service exposure, and if in-service treatment caused or aggravated the condition.

The Board's April 21, 2011 decision was found to have been clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to the failure to consider favorable medical and lay evidence. The Veteran is now entitled to a 30 percent disability evaluation for rhinitis with sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not decided at this time.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for increased ratings of migraines, anxiety and depression, and chronic rhinitis with sinusitis are remanded.