Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous instructions and for obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disability. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities are also on appeal and must be addressed in conjunction.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis was denied as there is no evidence of findings or symptomatology that meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 6522.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The Veteran is granted a 10% evaluation for right and left shin splints, but her claims are remanded for further development regarding other conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is denied as there was no increase in disability during service.,The petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for migraine headaches is denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection on all listed conditions before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for sleep disturbance was dismissed as she withdrew her claim.,Service connection is granted for gastrointestinal disorders including GERD, diverticulosis, and IBS. The Board found these conditions are related to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings related to bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis with upper respiratory infections, right ankle sprain residuals, and PTSD have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for cervical and lumbar spine conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals from an inner ear infection, including facial droop. The evidence shows no current disability related to this condition.,Obstructive sleep apnea was not shown during service and is not considered secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted due to exposure to particulate matter in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.,Service connection for sinusitis and left lower lobe condition (claimed as mycobacterial infection) are denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and eustachian tube dysfunction were not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection was denied for heart disorder (sinus bradycardia) as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy is denied as not service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's memory loss is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral elbow condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis (claimed as a respiratory condition) is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral knee condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's OSA is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation and determination of their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records. The issues include back disability, neurological conditions of upper and lower extremities, sinusitis, rhinitis, and asthma.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right knee disability, left knee disability, and left acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as he is currently employed part-time and earns income above the poverty threshold for one person.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that it was incurred during his active service and aggravated by service. The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting allergic rhinitis but also concluded that there is a clear and unmistakable aggravation beyond its natural progression.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for chronic pansinusitis, effective April 6, 2012. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis with polyposis is separately rated at the maximum of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma have been granted. The claim for chronic fatigue syndrome has been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disability, including asthma, and for allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergies. The evidence did not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service connection claim for rhinitis, claimed as a respiratory disorder, is granted. The remaining claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.