Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including hay fever and asthma. The Board has determined that the remand instructions have not been fully complied with and requires another examination to address the preexisting condition allegations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, vestibular disability (including vertigo), upper respiratory disability (claimed as sinusitis and allergic rhinitis), intestinal disability (claimed as gastroenteritis), and endometriosis. The Board found no current disabilities in these areas and concluded that the Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for additional examinations. The appeals are now pending again.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and an increased rating for left ankle DJD with calcaneofibular and ATF ligament ruptures, status post repair with scar and left peronealis tendonitis are remanded due to the need for updated examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and left inguinal hernia have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for urinary frequency, right hip strain, left hip strain, lumbosacral strain, right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, and left foot bunion, as well as a psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, had its onset in service and has continued since service. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for chronic pharyngitis; tonsillectomy prior to May 19, 2015 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic pharyngitis; tonsillectomy since May 19, 2015 is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as the evidence did not support a link to active service or Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's other claims were remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of nasal polyps and only greater than 50% obstruction on both sides.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as there is no clinical evidence to support the argument that he is entitled to such a rating.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under DC 6522, but the Board finds that her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to lack of polyps and no incapacitating episodes. The Veteran does not meet criteria for other diagnostic codes related to sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have separate service-connected conditions for depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, back disorder, neck disorder, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or headaches. The claims are denied as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for flat feet and higher initial ratings for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with IVDS, allergic rhinitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and status post right thumb fracture.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder with associated anxiety and insomnia is granted, effective February 17, 2010.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted, effective July 15, 2010.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for sinusitis is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 9, 2010, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for his service-connected low back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, bilateral prepatellar bursitis, allergic rhinitis, left ankle lateral malleolus area tendonitis, and sinusitis, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as her service-connected disabilities did not result in such needs.

The Board denied service connection for a sinus disability, finding that the Veteran's sinusitis is not related to service or caused by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed tinnitus. The case will be readjudicated after this development.