Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, service connection for asthma, and service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical strain (claimed as back condition), and allergic rhinitis. The reasons provided were that these conditions were not filed as separate claims but rather as part of his original claims for back and sinus disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss, a compensable evaluation for chronic right knee strain with limitation of extension, and a compensable evaluation for chronic rhinitis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Service connection is established for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD), a right ankle disability, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left side varicocele, right foot plantar wart, and sinusitis with rhinitis were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for a left knee disorder.,A separate issue of entitlement to SMC for loss of use of creative organ (left testicle) has been referred to the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for loss of sense of smell and taste as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's symptoms are already addressed in the current rating schedule, but a separate claim for secondary service connection is needed before extraschedular referral can be considered.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis remain at 10 percent, as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied all claims for service connection and increased ratings due to lack of current diagnoses or insufficient new and material evidence. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis, finding that his preexisting allergic rhinitis did not worsen during service and was not aggravated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for essential tremors and allergic rhinitis, to include residuals of a turbinate surgery due to incomplete development. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on exposure to second-hand smoke and environmental contaminants during his military service aboard submarines.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is related to service or pre-existing conditions, and whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for post nasoseptal deviation with allergic rhinitis due to additional development being required. Specifically, more private opinion evidence is needed regarding whether the Veteran’s sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected nasal condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, a respiratory condition, and contact dermatitis (previously claimed as skin condition) are remanded due to the need for further development including an examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, anemia, or high cholesterol. Service connection for anxiety was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing allergic rhinitis was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his upper respiratory disability, lumbar spine disability, and right knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is granted on a presumptive basis. The initial rating of 60 percent for residuals of left paramedian lower pons (stroke) with urinary incontinence and benign prostatic hypertrophy is granted, effective May 29, 2014. An initial 30 percent rating for multiple status-post cysts excisions scars is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is also granted an initial 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the request to reopen a claim for service connection for headaches and remanded the issue of determining the current severity of chronic sinusitis.

The Board has restored the 20% disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected back disability effective May 1, 2017. The appeal remains pending for higher ratings for other conditions.