Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Board has withdrawn appeals for service connection for right shoulder strain, intercostal muscle (claimed as right-side rib), bilateral hearing loss, rhinitis, respiratory disability, and tinnitus. Appeals for TBI, migraine headaches, increased rating for anxiety disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, effective date prior to May 16, 2018 for service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and effective date prior to May 16, 2018 for service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence. The main issues are about obstructive sleep apnea, transitional cell carcinoma (claimed as bladder cancer), prostate hypertrophy, allergic rhinitis, calculus of left ureter, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of fractured left tibia was denied, and his TDIU prior to December 3, 2013, was also denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU since August 11, 2010.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for claimed memory loss or other cognitive or neurological disability as due to VA-prescribed medication taken for hypertension is remanded.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board denied a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a 10% or higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient VA treatment records, inadequate examination reports, and issues raised by the July 2014 VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as well as any secondary service connection claims related to sinusitis, rhinitis, and pes planus. The decision is based on the need for a new VA medical opinion due to concerns about the adequacy of the previous opinion.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and schizophrenia, was granted. Service connection for the anxiety disorder is also granted. The claims for upper respiratory disorders and thyroid disorder are denied. A rating in excess of 20 percent for duodenal ulcer and low back disability is denied. Left lower extremity radiculopathy ratings prior to March 30, 2015 and after that date are also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding chemical exposures while working in proximity to Titan II missiles. The Veteran's respiratory issues are being considered as possibly related to his service, specifically exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's fatty liver condition is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a link to his active duty service.,The Veteran's toenail problems are denied as there is no in-service onset and current medical literature does not support a link to burn pit exposure.,The Veteran's bad rashes are remanded for an addendum opinion regarding whether they are related to his active duty service or aggravated by his claimed burn pit exposure.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is remanded for an addendum opinion regarding whether it is related to his active duty service, proximately due to a service-connected disability, or aggravated beyond its natural progression.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining issues, including respiratory disability, psychiatric disorder, cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, and foot disabilities, are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions, including a neck disorder, groin condition, erectile dysfunction, and allergic rhinitis, were denied. The claim for service connection for the groin condition was also remanded.

The Veteran's right, left knee, and shoulder conditions are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for rhinitis is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension claim has been dismissed as the issue is no longer pending.,The claims for service connection of allergic rhinitis, folliculitis, and a heart disability (palpitations) have been reopened.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, increased rating for cervical strain, and increased rating for lumbar strain have been denied. The issue of separate ratings for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is remanded.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and headaches is granted. The claim for GERD remains pending as it was remanded.