Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2021

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for compensable ratings for his right foot disability, allergic rhinitis, and a left 5th finger disability, as well as the service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are granted as service-connected due to exposure to particulate matter during her service in Afghanistan.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination to determine the nature and etiology of her disabilities, including during flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability was reopened, and granted. The claims for sleep disability, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches were denied.,A 10% rating is assigned for the Veteran's allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis during a personal hearing, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition did not worsen during his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to a lack of VA examinations and records. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the issues of hay fever and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's rhinosinusitis and service, as well as whether it is related to his obstructive sleep apnea. The VA examiner needs to provide a more comprehensive opinion considering all relevant evidence.

The Board's July 2019 remand for a compensable rating for service-connected sinusitis with seasonal rhinitis is not considered a final decision, so the August 2020 motion for reversal or revision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis were denied. The claim for dry eye syndrome with chronic blepharitis is remanded due to incomplete visual field testing.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatic fever, rhinitis and hay fever due to missing entrance examination records. The VA needs to make a formal finding of unavailability and notify the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an MRI of his sinuses and a medical opinion regarding nasal polyps associated with his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected. The issues of service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a heart disease (claimed residual of a heart attack) are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment, as his conditions are not severe enough to warrant such benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for VR&E benefits, other than employment services, to include training in pursuit of a career as an attorney. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his vocational goal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, including his claimed asthma and other respiratory conditions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss (BHL) has been denied as there is no evidence of current BHL for VA purposes.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia was also denied because it is not a disability for which compensation can be granted.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, or nasal polyps, which is required for a compensable rating under DC 6522. Thus, the claim for a compensable rating for such disability is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral flatfoot and plantar fasciitis were denied a compensable rating prior to April 17, 2018. A 50 percent rating was granted beginning April 17, 2018 for the condition.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis and a TDIU were dismissed as the December 2014 rating decision implementing the Board's November 2014 decision is final.