Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated at a 10 percent disability level, but no higher. The condition causes total obstruction of alternating nasal passages, particularly at night.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic tonsillitis (claimed as sinusitis), and chronic sinusitis.,There is no current diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis or chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis disability has been rated at 10 percent since March 31, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there was no more than greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Veteran's cause of death was identified as ALL, which the appellant contends is related to her Gulf War service. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for DIC benefits due to the appellant's contention regarding exposure to environmental hazards during her Gulf War service.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis and PTSD is granted, while BPH and diabetes are denied. The case is REMANDED for additional development regarding a respiratory disability claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, allergic conjunctivitis secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis, and hoarseness secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis. Additionally, the Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent prior to June 27, 2019, for myofascial pain syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine.,The claimant's disability was found to have manifested with symptoms such as muscle spasm and abnormal spinal curvature during his period of active duty service. The Board has also granted a rating greater than 40 percent from June 27, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claim for a respiratory disorder due to exposure in Southwest Asia, as it is unclear if the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The VA examiner needs to provide an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran’s respiratory disorder and whether it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's Disease, entitlement to SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, and entitlement to TDIU prior to March 7, 2018. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic sinus condition, finding that there was no evidence to support his assertion that his current allergic rhinitis began during or was caused by his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that there is no causal link between his current diagnosis and exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, and acid reflux/GERD due to incomplete development of his records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have not been fully developed and requires additional development before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis have been rated based on their respective diagnostic codes, with the sinusitis receiving a separate rating effective from March 21, 2010.,However, the case is being remanded due to issues related to hypertension prior to December 21, 2015.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea is being remanded for further examination and opinion as to whether it is related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis or other in-service factors.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to November 20, 2014 for the grant of service connection for right leg shin splints, left leg shin splints, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to July 13, 2015 for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available.,The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU as there was no evidence showing that the Veteran could not secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinonasal polypous with allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need to locate medical records and conduct a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions have been withdrawn. The claims for right ankle disability, chronic kidney disability, and PTSD rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examination or evidence. The claim for chronic kidney disease has been reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but not higher. The Board found the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 30 percent.,For rhinitis with sinusitis, the Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent since April 21, 2015. The Board found that he has more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year and granted him a 30 percent rating effective from April 21, 2015.,The Veteran's chronic anxiety and depression is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims. The Board affirmed the denial of these claims in multiple decisions.