Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's increased ratings for asthma and allergic rhinitis are denied, but his TDIU is granted with an effective date of May 8, 2003.

The Veteran's status post bunionectomy first metacarpophalangeal joint of the left foot is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating under the applicable rating criteria.,The Veteran's status post right base metatarsal fracture fragment excision of right foot has manifested with one linear scar that is not painful or unstable. The Veteran’s allergic rhinitis had manifestations with a right nasal polyp prior to May 5, 2010, and complete obstruction of his left nasal passage since then.

The Board has remanded the claims for allergic rhinitis, right quadriceps disability, and bilateral knee disability due to incomplete information from previous VA examinations. The Veteran needs to be provided with a new examination in spring or summer to assess his allergic rhinitis severity, an addendum opinion is needed regarding whether his right quadriceps disability is related to service, and another addendum opinion is required for the bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, intercostal neuralgia (chest pain), asthma, and ulnar nerve paralysis of the left upper extremity are all found to be related to his service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Reasoning behind this decision includes medical opinions supporting a link between each condition and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's GERD was granted service connection as it began during active service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected status postnasal fracture with slight nasal septal deviation and allergic rhinitis has worsened since his last VA examination, necessitating a new evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet and left heel spur are service-connected, as is fibromatosis of the hips, knees, ankles, and feet. The claim for asthma secondary to allergic rhinitis is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including hearing loss, foot disability, hypertension, left varicocele, and allergies. Additional development is needed to obtain treatment records for some conditions, as well as to provide new VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a respiratory condition as secondary to an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's representative is urged to assist in obtaining private medical records from his pain management providers.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as his application to reopen claims for sleep apnea and VA compensation for a dental disability. The Board also granted the reopening of these claims and awarded service connection for a dental disability. Service connection was denied for irritable bowel syndrome, neck disability, and sleep apnea. A compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied, but TDIU was granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for irritable bowel syndrome, tinea pedis, TBI, dementia, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, respiratory ailment/breathing problems, periodontal condition, and hearing loss. The AOJ is instructed to request development from JSRRC to corroborate the Veteran's reports of deployment with the 602nd Tactical Air Control Center Squadron in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted service connection, with the Board finding that there is continuity of symptoms since service.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is denied as the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not undergo permanent increase in severity by her military service. The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence to support this presumption.,The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is remanded, requiring further examination and opinion regarding its etiology.,Service connection for skin disability (chilblains) as secondary to bilateral foot condition is also remanded, requiring an opinion on the relationship between the two conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of a rating in excess of 10 percent for Morton’s neuroma of the left foot, service connection for tinnitus, a sinus disability (to include rhinitis), and an eye disability other than retinopathy or glaucoma.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective from March 23, 2007.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for asthma, psoriasiform dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities made him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of January 1, 2013. The Board granted TDIU effective from April 4, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound due to a lack of evidence showing she is in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sinus disability and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is presumed sound at entry into service, but he asserts that his current allergic rhinitis is related to exposure to burn pits during deployment in Iraq.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various conditions and exposure basis determinations. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed to determine if new evidence supports reopening of the claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions and missing treatment records.