Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's spouse was not recognized as a dependent for VA benefits until March 2014, despite the Veteran having submitted information about his marriage in 2008. The claim is denied because the necessary documentation was not received within one year of notification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disorder and vasomotor rhinitis due to insufficient evidence. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to his military service, including exposure to chemicals during service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was found to have existed prior to his active duty service and worsened during service, warranting service connection based on aggravation.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating for allergic rhinitis, disfigurement of the neck, alopecia areata, or skin disability other than alopecia areata prior to September 1, 2009. A compensable rating was granted for skin disability other than alopecia areata from September 1, 2009.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sarcoidosis, cervical spine disorder, and various other conditions have been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 0 percent for allergic rhinitis from September 9, 2013 to July 26, 2018 was denied. The claim for a higher initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis from July 26, 2018 was also denied.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is granted service connection due to its nature and unknown etiology. Service connection for respiratory disorder (including asthma and allergic rhinitis) and throat disorder (allergic rhinitis) are denied as they are attributed to known clinical diagnoses. Service connection for GI disorder (eosinophilic esophagitis, internal hemorrhoids, iron deficiency, hematochezia) is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for arthritis of the left elbow, right elbow, left thumb, right thumb, cervical spine, and lumbar spine as well as seasonal allergic rhinitis due to potential CBRNE exposure during service. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations to evaluate his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis has worsened, and a new examination is needed to determine the appropriate disability evaluation.

The Veteran's deviated septum and allergic rhinitis are granted service connection. The Veteran's tension headaches are granted for the period from April 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016, but denied for a rating in excess of 30 percent since.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Service connection is not granted for a bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, right shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service connection claims and rating determinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including allergic rhinitis, hyperhidrosis, bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral shin splints, degenerative joint disease of both great toes, and a left foot plantar wart.

The Veteran's current bilateral plantar fasciitis is of service origin, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation and evidence. The Board found no new and material evidence for tinnitus, denied bilateral hearing loss, and remanded other issues.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are granted as incurred during active service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left index finger injury and sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides in Thailand and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is remanded due to the lack of recent audiometric test results.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a respiratory disability (including sinusitis and rhinitis) due to new evidence submitted. The issues of service connection for left foot hallux valgus, obstructive sleep apnea, low back disability secondary to left foot hallux valgus, temporary total ratings, and allergic rhinitis are remanded.

The Veteran's asthma and allergic rhinitis are being remanded for further examination and to obtain private medical records.