Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service, and the Board finds that it meets the criteria for service connection.,There is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's allergic rhinitis to his military service. However, the examiner opined that the condition may be related to exposure during service.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and sinusitis/rhinitis disabilities are related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is manifested by symptoms that more nearly approximate greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, with no polyps. The Board finds a 10% rating is warranted for the Veteran's allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is granted as service connected. The claim for asthma was reopened and remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current hearing loss and military noise exposure, as well as whether it is related to his service-connected rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for additional development, including referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the initial rating assigned for cholecystectomy residuals and the denials of service connection for allergic rhinitis, residuals of fractured ribs, residuals of right eye trauma, bilateral hearing loss, and a skin disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating decisions on the issues of higher ratings for myofascial pain syndrome, right knee disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent since May 8, 2017. Prior to that date, the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral knee condition and therefore, service connection for this issue is denied.

The Veteran's sinus headaches are related to his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated at a 10 percent disability rating since June 13, 2014. Prior to that date, the condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an upper respiratory disability, including sinusitis and rhinitis, secondary to his service-connected headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis/sinusitis is not service-connected as it pre-existed his military service and was not aggravated by service.