Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis/allergic rhinitis and an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) are both denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and hypothyroidism, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board dismissed all appeals regarding service connection and increased rating for various conditions as the appellant withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, dysthymic disorder, and allergic rhinitis have been granted. The claim for hallux valgus with arthritis of the feet remains pending.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety has been granted a 50 percent rating.,Seasonal allergic rhinitis is not compensable under the applicable rating criteria.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral radiculopathy of the left and right sciatic nerves have all been granted.,Service connection for eczema has been granted.,Service connection for headaches has been granted.,Left ankle injury with residual small bony fragment of the left os navicularis has been granted.

The Veteran's hearing loss in the left ear is granted as service-connected. The right ear and lumbar spine conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent effective from July 19, 2019. A 30 percent rating for restless leg syndrome is granted. The Veteran’s allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis has been granted. The rating for PFB remains at 10 percent, and the rating for hypertension is denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is requested to undergo an additional VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including depression, anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee joint pain, bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for ulnar nerve entrapment, right arm (major).,The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s obstructive sleep apnea was incurred or related to his military service. The Board also found insufficient medical opinion linking the Veteran's current OSA to his service-connected gastric ulcer condition.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis, effective December 30, 2019. The Veteran's appeal is now resolved as he was granted the requested benefit.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for allergic rhinitis following a throat and nasal surgery was denied as there is no additional disability in this case.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied due to the presence of other physical disabilities that prevent him from being unemployable.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and chronic rhinitis have been granted increased ratings of 30 percent each. The TDIU issue is remanded for further examination.

The Board has found that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for allergic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's service connection claims are granted for allergic rhinitis and hemorrhoids. However, his claim for obstructive sleep apnea remains pending as further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed sinus disability, sleep disability, low back disability, neck disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability. The VA is required to provide a new examination or opinion if it finds that the current evidence of record is inadequate.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that there is no causal relationship between his current diagnosis and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current rhinitis disability, which is chronic in nature and had its onset during active duty service, meets the criteria for service connection. The decision grants the claim of entitlement to service connection for rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence being associated with his case. The RO must review this new evidence and determine if updated VA examinations or additional development are necessary for any of the disabilities on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA medical opinion. The Veteran's sinusitis/rhinitis claim will be reviewed again with new evidence.