Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was granted a 10% rating from November 13, 2015 to March 19, 2019. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as the evidence did not support that it was incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was granted in a December 2019 rating decision and is therefore dismissed.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims of service connection for rhinitis, hypertension, or bilateral hip disability.,Service connection for a brain disability, neck disability, and ED have not been established due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for vertigo/syncope is remanded as no examination has been conducted.,Service connection for diabetes is remanded as deck logs are needed to determine potential exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hiatal hernia with GERD, bilateral shin splints, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, hemorrhoids, right wrist sprain, left wrist sprain, thoracolumbar spine disability, and bilateral pes planus were granted effective July 1, 2016. Claims for other conditions are denied as they were not received within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person from November 2014 through February 2015 was granted, but after that period it was denied.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for allergic rhinitis was improper and restored it.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred during service or as a result of an in-service injury, disease, or event. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's OSA is remanded due to a positive opinion linking his sleep apnea to service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The Board cannot make a determination on the OSA claim until decisions are made on the claims for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his service-connected psychiatric disability, erectile dysfunction, and skin condition. The issues related to allergic rhinitis and pinched nerves were also denied.,A compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was not granted.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and chronic maxillary sinusitis were not rated as compensable, with the latter having less than three non-incapacitating episodes in the past year.,Service connection for a right elbow condition was remanded due to lack of post-military notes.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for allergic rhinitis should be remanded due to an inadequate examination.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis with allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations. The AOJ is also tasked with determining whether service connection is in effect for diabetes mellitus, scheduling an examination for erectile dysfunction, and obtaining medical nexus opinions for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fatigue, loss of sense of taste, and loss of sense of smell.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not been manifested with or without polyps, but with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides at any time during the appeal period.,The Veteran’s PTSD has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected mental disabilities and physical conditions make her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. However, the claim is remanded as more information is needed regarding her employment status.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective from November 12, 2016. The Veteran's depression disability with anxious distress is rated at 70 percent since March 2, 2017 and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claims.,The Board will consider the effectiveness of service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, respiratory issues, left 5th finger numbness, restless leg syndrome, knee disabilities, and foot hallux valgus.

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is granted with a 20 percent rating, and the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus is denied. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for nasal disorders and allergic rhinitis.