Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran had a diagnosis of sinusitis during his active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service and granted. The cases of rhinitis, asthma, skin disability (including as secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder), and right foot fungus are remanded for further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his military service, and the claim for this condition is granted.,There is no evidence of a dental disability that warrants compensation. The Veteran’s gum condition does not meet the criteria for VA compensation.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran has a left knee condition, bilateral foot condition, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis related to his military service.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition is related to his military service.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran’s sinus conditions (allergic rhinitis and sinusitis) are related to his military service.,No evidence of a preexisting sinus condition prior to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and a respiratory disorder (claimed as asbestosis) is partially granted. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA medical records and insufficient examination reports. The issues include sinusitis, rhinitis, bilateral ear disorder (otitis externa), right hip disorder, left shoulder disorder, bilateral Achilles tendon disorder, residuals of osteotomy with genioplasty, and genital herpes.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, but the claims for left knee disorder and acquired allergies are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and dermatitis (formerly called folliculitis of the scalp) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis, tuberculosis, bilateral hearing loss disability, recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with right heel spur are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a noncompensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability, a separate 10 percent rating for facial asymmetry due to the left mandible lesion, and a separate 10 percent rating for incomplete paralysis of the trigeminal nerve. A higher rating in excess of 30 percent from February 2, 2016 is granted for his recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with right heel spur is rated at the maximum assignable under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and continuity of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis during service. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed with a new medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, headaches as secondary to sinusitis, acne of the left upper extremity, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are granted effective from August 26, 2010. The RO did not address these conditions in prior decisions but evidence received during the development process reasonably raised claims for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to the conditions claimed, except for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disability, bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and gout. The decision also granted a 10% rating for a fractured fourth metacarpal of the right hand.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, denied earlier effective dates for migraine headaches and allergic rhinitis, denied an increased rating for allergic rhinitis, and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to uncertainty regarding his periods of active duty and Reserve service, as well as the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The issues have been returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hiatal hernia, GERD, and sinus conditions.

The petition to reopen the claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis or sinusitis is granted. The claim of service connection for tonsillectomy is denied and remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes, dizziness, gastrointestinal disability including irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and allergic rhinitis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances related to topical medications and Attends protective underwear were denied. However, the Veteran was granted a clothing allowance for using a back and abdominal brace due to her umbilical hernia disability.