Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an upper respiratory disorder due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and rating of various conditions, including right and left ankle disorders, gout, wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome), knee degenerative joint disease, and allergic rhinitis. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board denied a request for an increased rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right big toe injury, allergic rhinitis, small pox reaction, and Bipolar Disorder with anxiety were previously denied due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link to military service. New evidence did not provide material information.

The Veteran's current sinusitis and rhinitis are being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if they are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral foot disabilities and allergic rhinitis are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is partially granted, with a 10 percent rating for left knee instability since March 7, 2014. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and prostate cancer should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The issues of service connection are being remanded due to insufficient opinions provided in previous evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted for prolapsed hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA regulations. The issues of service connection and reopening of claims are addressed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected empty nose syndrome with rhinitis.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability and other service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 4, 2008. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and rhinitis due to lack of a causal relationship between the conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and examining his claimed PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability. The claims are granted.

The Board dismissed appeals for an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus, a higher initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss.,The Board granted reopening of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder impingement syndrome, bicipital tendonitis, labral tear, and shoulder strain. Service connection was also granted for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further examination.