Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, back disability, bilateral knee disability, and allergic rhinitis due to new evidence. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The shoulder injury and trigger finger are denied, but the case for chronic rhinitis and sinusitis is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection for allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic sore throat, and bronchitis are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, right forearm condition, and right index finger condition have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requested additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the cases of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all related issues.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, his claim for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus, but his claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis, bilateral hearing loss, and left shoulder ankylosis (including any neurological disability) has been granted with effective dates set at March 12, 2015.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions, including HTLV Type 1, allergic rhinitis, right and left lower extremity paresthesia, and knee degenerative joint disease, were denied. The maximum schedular ratings were not assigned for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for respiratory disabilities, diagnosed as sinusitis and rhinitis, was granted. The claim for an increased evaluation for TMJ disease, right jaw tumor residuals, was denied. The claims of service connection for a back disability and neck disability are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for other conditions (right hip, sinus, allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, bilateral feet) are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for allergies, pericarditis, and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The Veteran is requested to provide service treatment records and VA/Non-VA treatment records.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not rated higher than a non-compensable rating.,PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to October 23, 2019 and 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are considered more severe than the current ratings indicate.,The Veteran’s right shoulder disability is not service-connected as it did not begin during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment from December 7, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU from this date.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis rating was reduced from 30% to non-compensable, effective June 1, 2019. The Veteran has not appealed this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the adequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.