Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for service connection for various conditions, including frontal sinus osteoma, head trauma, headaches, chronic sinusitis/rhinitis, GERD, and others. The claim of tinea pedis was also withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a nose fracture or any other current nasal condition (such as sinusitis) during the appeal period. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is established, but the evidence is against finding a nexus between his in-service events and his current allergic rhinitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis. The claim will be reconsidered after further development.

The Board has found that the Veteran's chronic rhinitis first manifested in service and is related to exposure to hazards during his deployment, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and their impact on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for allergies and a right knee disability. The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury or condition related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is related to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and right ear hearing loss have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Veteran has a history of allergic rhinitis during service but not before. Right ear hearing loss did not meet VA compensation criteria at any time during active duty service.

The Veteran's deviated septum with chronic vasomotor rhinitis is manifested by at least 50 percent obstruction of both nostrils, meeting the criteria for a 10% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6522.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a statement of the case on his service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected conditions, including asthma and various musculoskeletal issues. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain SSA records and translate Spanish documents.

The Board has determined that a uniform evaluation of 10 percent is warranted for the entire period on appeal for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for medical examinations to assess the nature and likely etiology of her GERD and allergic rhinitis, as well as assessing the current severity of her service-connected low back and neck disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's cardiopulmonary arrest was caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia must be remanded due to the need for further development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was found to have its onset during active duty service and is therefore granted service connection. The respiratory disability, including chronic bronchitis and COPD, was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and a VA examination. The issues include PTSD, allergic rhinitis, grinding teeth, and right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inconsistencies in the October 2014 VA examination report and conflicting views of the facts. The appellant's statements regarding his allergy symptoms prior to service are unclear, and a medical opinion is needed to determine if his hay fever was aggravated beyond its natural progression during active duty training.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his nasal disability/rhinitis, were not caused or aggravated by service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for deviated nasal septum was denied as the disability is rated at its maximum under VA regulations.