Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment since January 6, 2014. The Board has granted a TDIU due to the combined effect of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings was denied, with the exception of a grant of a 50% evaluation for migraine headaches effective from August 9, 2017. The remaining conditions were not granted higher evaluations.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's rhinitis rating from 10 percent to noncompensable was proper. The evidence does not show improvement in the condition, and thus a compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues are either denied or remanded.

The case is being remanded for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including associating the Veteran's VR&E folder with the claims file since February 2018. The AOJ must consider new evidence associated with the claim of entitlement to VR&E benefits under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 31.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as the earliest claim was received on October 14, 2010. The claims for left wrist disability, sleep apnea, increased ratings for non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are all remanded.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death prior to the issuance of an appellate decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to missing records from the Moncrief Army Medical Center. Additionally, an SOC is needed on issues of increased ratings for knee conditions, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and service connection for hammertoes, sleep apnea, toe fungus, sinusitis, rhinitis, hearing loss, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, left forearm disability, right shoulder disability, and right forearm disability.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, athlete's foot, right foot fracture, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, eczema, and cellulitis of the right hand. The evidence did not show current disabilities during the appeals period.

The Veteran's multiple disabilities are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology, as the current evidence is insufficient to determine if they are related to her exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during active service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded due to the issue being intertwined with his initial rating for chronic rhinitis. The case will be remanded to provide an SOC on the issue of service connection and readjudicate the initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of new evidence. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, high cholesterol, obesity, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, asthma, sleep apnea, hernia, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, headaches, and seizures.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his thoracolumbar spine condition was remanded. His need for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was also remanded due to the lack of evidence showing he requires regular aid and assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for fibromyalgia, vertigo, respiratory disability (sinusitis or allergic rhinitis), cardiovascular disability, skin rash, and memory loss is not granted as there is no current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's somatic disorder, allergic rhinitis with deviated nasal septum, asthma (with OSA), GERD, and right wrist disability have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also receiving a noncompensable evaluation for his allergic rhinitis with deviated nasal septum, 10 percent evaluation for his asthma (prior to October 5, 2017) and 50 percent evaluation for his OSA with asthma from October 5, 2017. A 10 percent evaluation has been granted for his GERD, while a 10 percent evaluation is denied for his right wrist disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, both secondary to his service-connected traumatic deviated septum. The hearing loss claim is also being remanded due to incomplete audiometric evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, bilateral pes planus, eye disorder (presumably vision impairment), ear disorder (hearing loss and possibly other auditory issues), respiratory disorder, and digestive disorder. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD, bilateral cervical myelopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia, and allergic rhinitis are all granted service connection. The issue of service connection for a heart disability is remanded.