Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis was reopened, but not granted as there is no new and material evidence to support it.,Service connection for a stomach condition (including GERD and IBS) was denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to link the conditions to his in-service appendectomy.

The Board denied service connection for chronic non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not establish a link to service or Southwest Asia service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issues of service connection for back disability, rhinitis (claimed as hay fever), hemorrhoids, residuals of a cervix surgery, and bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's sinus/allergy disorder, diagnosed as allergic rhinitis, had its onset during his period of service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergies, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma including COPD, pneumonia, and prostate disorder. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, respiratory disorder, and hypertension due to presumed herbicide exposure. The claims are also reopened.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions, including left knee osteoarthritis, right shoulder disability, right knee strain, allergic rhinitis, and migraines, were denied. The decisions are based on the current severity of these conditions as determined by VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated and denied, with no new evidence or changes in condition warranting a different rating.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinitis and OSA on a secondary basis to rhinitis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension and rhinitis were denied service connection due to lack of evidence. The left shoulder condition was granted service connection.,Right ear hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder) are remanded for further review.

Your claims of service connection for various conditions have been granted. The right foot metatarsalgia issue was previously severed from your service-connected disability picture, but the pain is still considered part of your overall condition.

The Veteran's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis), and hallux valgus of the right great toe, hammer toes second, fourth, and fifth toes, and mild osteoarthritis great toe have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or further clarification is needed.

The Veteran's claims for right upper extremity thrombosis, PFB, bilateral hearing loss, sinus condition (including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sore throat), cervical spine disability with associated left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral arm and hand disability, and residuals of an oral surgery are all denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has vacated the March 2018 decision denying service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected pansinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The remand requires an addendum opinion from the December 2016 VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The hearing loss and allergic rhinitis remain rated as they are.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for deep acne vulgaris with disfigurement was granted. The claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, perennial allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were remanded.