Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2019

The May 2013 rating decision denying service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.,New evidence received since the May 2013 rating decision has reopened the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left eye dry eye syndrome, maxillary sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis have been granted. The Veteran is also remanded for further rating determinations on the issues of service connection.

The Board granted service connection for rhinitis, but denied service connection for back disability, cardiovascular disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and nerve damage to the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities which were considered static in nature reached a combined evaluation of 100 percent as of July 1, 2006. The Board found that the criteria for establishment of basic eligibility to Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were satisfied as of this date.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and hypertension due to the need for updated medical records and additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on four service-connected conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for detached retina, including scars and associated injury.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions pre-existed service and were not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to new evidence not previously reviewed by the RO. The issue of posttraumatic stress disorder has also been referred back to the RO.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for DM II and left eye condition, as well as several other issues related to the Veteran's disabilities. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were addressed. The Veteran received a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis, a 30% evaluation for reactive airway disease prior to November 28, 2017, and a 10% evaluation for restless leg syndrome. Other issues such as bruxism, migraine headaches, PTSD, and TDIU were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety, and PTSD), chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, and valvular heart disease are all remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for residuals of maxilla and zygomatic arch fracture with right-side epistaxis is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for rhinitis, a deviated septum, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for rhinitis and sleep apnea, but has remanded them for further development. The low back disability rating remains remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis have been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these issues before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis should be remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of her symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reenter the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that her service-connected disabilities did not worsen to the extent that she was precluded from performing work duties or that her previously rehabilitated occupation was unsuitable.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, allergic rhinitis, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and symptoms of acid reflux and IBS. These issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, headache disorder, sleep disorder/insomnia, unspecified neurological disorder, and psychiatric disorder including anxiety, depression, and nervousness due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disorder, cervicalgia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rhinitis, sleep apnea, hypertension, esophageal reflux, and anemia are all found to be related to service. The Veteran is also seeking increased ratings for his bilateral knees and hearing loss, which require further examination and evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis and the reduction of the rating for service-connected eczema. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently diagnosed, and there are in-service records indicating it occurred during his military service. For the eczema issue, a new VA examination is needed due to the lack of consideration of flare-ups.