Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but additional development is needed due to insufficient evidence of direct service connection.

The Veteran's sinusitis, mixed rhinitis, and asthma are related to her service in the Persian Gulf War. The Board granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure to particulate matter.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for postherpetic neuralgia of the 9th cranial nerve involving the right ear was granted with a 10 percent evaluation effective August 13, 2020. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran is also granted new and material evidence to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as there is no probative evidence of nasal polyps or complete obstruction of one nasal passage, and the preponderance of the evidence is against his claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, neurological disabilities, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an upper respiratory disorder, including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The primary issue was whether his pre-existing allergies were aggravated by service or if current sinusitis is related to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved issues regarding service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic cough, as well as their relationship to service-connected pulmonary fibrosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the feet and knees, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence of current disabilities and lack of a nexus between his claimed conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to verify the Veteran's service periods and obtain relevant medical records. The issues of reopening claims for head trauma, nasal problems (excluding rhinitis and sinusitis), and a deviated septum are still pending.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and chronic allergic rhinitis are granted service connection. The Board finds the evidence does not meet criteria for a compensable rating for rhinitis, but affirms service connection. Bilateral knee condition, cervical spine condition, and right thumb condition are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's migraines/tension headaches are rated at 50 percent from January 10, 2013. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues.

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and tinnitus.,The Veteran's headaches, PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis and left shoulder osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to April 12, 2018, or a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter for his left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lumbar disc disease, right leg nerve damage, chronic rhinitis, brain disease due to trauma, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) have been dismissed due to failure to comply with the appropriate claims processing rules regarding perfection of a Board appeal.,The Veteran did not file timely notices of disagreement or VA Form 10182s for these claims within one year of receiving notification letters from the RO, which required him to do so under the old and modernized appeals systems.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current migraines began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to pending claims regarding earlier effective dates. The Board will also consider whether he qualifies for SMC at the housebound rate prior to September 14, 2020.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but denied the claim for Allergic Rhinitis due to lack of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding the etiology of the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and allergic rhinitis.