Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis have been granted with a separate 30% rating. The remaining issues, including the reopened back and right knee claims, were denied.

The Veteran's laryngitis was granted a 30 percent rating effective December 2, 2014. His allergic rhinitis is not service-connected and he received a compensable rating for his noncompensable service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's left knee disorder was reopened due to new evidence showing in-service injury and subsequent treatment.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's disease but denied service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis. The decision is mixed as it grants one condition and denies another.

The Veteran's service-connected vasomotor rhinitis and deviated nasal septum were found to not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's sinus disorder, diagnosed as vasomotor rhinitis, was incurred during his period of active duty service. The Board finds that the evidence supports granting service connection for this condition. For the psychiatric and sleep apnea claims, additional VA medical opinions are needed to address all relevant evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding cervical dysplasia. The remaining issues have not been granted as service connection is denied for ulcerative colitis, chronic respiratory disorder, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), left arm paresthesia, pancreas disorder, and fibromyalgia.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and found that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not incurred during active service. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot hallux rigidus and arthritis, first metatarsal, status-post surgical repair remains on appeal.

The Veteran's rhinitis has been rated at 10 percent since January 7, 2015. Prior to that date, the condition was not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to differentiate symptoms attributable to the service-connected deviated nasal septum from those of non-service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinus disorder did not manifest during active service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence to support a nexus between her current condition and military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed residuals of facial trauma, headaches, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected allergic rhinitis, as he has alleged worsening symptoms and different diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted. The effective dates are April 14, 2009.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, his left shoulder disability at 10 percent, and he has an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. The appeal was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including an opinion on the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right third and fourth metatarsal fractures do not warrant a compensable rating. The issues regarding allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, low back strain with pain, gastritis/GERD, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left first metatarsal/toe condition are denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current sinus conditions. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for asthma has been broadened to a claim for a breathing condition, to include asthma. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to an initial compensable evaluation for his left ankle disability and hammer toes.,The Veteran seeks increased ratings for his right knee disability, left ankle disability, and hammer toes. However, the evidence does not support granting higher evaluations.