Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis and rhinitis is denied. A rating of 10 percent is granted for multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities from March 27, 2009, to February 18, 2015. The claim for a higher rating for superficial scars is denied. A rating of 10 percent is granted for rhinitis as of February 19, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis with rhinitis, and chronic lumbosacral strain with arthritis. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for rhinitis, vasomotor is dismissed. The Veteran is granted a 30 percent evaluation for chronic sinusitis and a separate 30 percent evaluation for saddle nose deformity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, right knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and allergic rhinitis. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have at least as likely as not prevented her from engaging in substantially gainful employment since November 21, 2011. The Board finds TDIU is warranted as of November 21, 2011 based on the evidence currently of record.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing allergic rhinitis was aggravated during service or if any increase in severity was due to natural progression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to be of such severity as to preclude substantially gainful employment since August 28, 2009. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for loss of sense of smell, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis prior to specific dates have been denied.

An initial evaluation of 60 percent for systemic lupus erythematosus prior to January 12, 2011 is granted.,An initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis on or after January 12, 2012 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's sinus condition, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right foot calcaneal spur, closed fracture fifth left metatarsal base, lumbar myositis, nose surgery/rhinitis, right inguinal herniorrhaphy, and depression due to inadequate examination reports and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for hypertension, left stomach scar, and allergic rhinitis. The case is being remanded to consider additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as there was no diagnosis of hearing loss in the right ear during the appeal period.,Service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorder (rhinitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea), CAD, autoimmune insufficiency with orthostatic hypotension and memory problems, and hyperlipidemia is denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for bilateral knee disorder is denied as the Veteran did not step foot in Vietnam or have other qualifying service. The Board found subjective arthralgia but acknowledged the Veteran's competence to report on his symptoms.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for left wrist scars, dermatitis of bilateral lower extremities, a lower abdominal muscle strain, respiratory disorder (rhinitis and sinusitis), and an acquired psychiatric condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, sinusitis, and rhinitis.

The Board has not made a decision on the service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical evidence. The case is being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The claims are also remanded for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for recurrent headaches, frostbite, arthritis, and a neurological disability. The new evidence submitted by the Veteran relates to an unestablished element of these claims and raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating them.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include determining whether new evidence was received to reopen a claim, as well as evaluating various conditions such as tinnitus, rotator cuff disorders, arthritis, Gulf War syndrome, joint pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory disorder, fatigue, skin disorder, knee tendonitis, ankle disorders, and others. The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded to allow for further review and examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of chronic allergic rhinitis and hypertension due to procedural errors in previous decisions. The Veteran's symptoms are being evaluated, as well as whether his current conditions are related to his military service or service-connected disabilities.