Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain with kyphoscoliosis and scoliosis is not rated higher than 20 percent.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots) is not rated higher than 20 percent prior to June 15, 2021. It is rated at 20 percent beginning from that date.,Allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinus polyp are both denied initial compensable evaluations.,Service connection for chronic joint pain, chronic fatigue, and other conditions related to thoracolumbar spine strain with kyphoscoliosis and scoliosis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The Veteran contends that his symptoms began during service in Vietnam and have continued since.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder, wrist, knee disabilities are granted service connection. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of the Veteran's current diagnoses, as the records are unclear regarding whether he currently suffers from chronic headache conditions.

The Veteran's claims for vasomotor rhinitis with epistaxis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), left ankle osteoarthritis, and right ankle strain have been granted. The Board found that these conditions are related to service due to exposure in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's recurrent respiratory disability, including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, is being remanded for further evaluation due to exposure to fine particulate matter during his service in the Persian Gulf War. The TDIU claim prior to March 14, 2014, is also being remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted an initial 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, neutropenia, and erectile dysfunction are all denied initial compensable ratings.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected rhinitis and deviated septum from July 5, 2010, to July 6, 2021. The remand is due to insufficient compliance with previous directives regarding procedures for removing nasal polyps and hypertrophy of nasal turbinates.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis had its onset during her active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression), and lumbar spine osteoarthritis. The criteria for direct service connection have been met in all cases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thyroid nodule, including due to ionizing radiation exposure and chemical exposure. The issues of headaches and allergic rhinitis have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis as a chronic respiratory condition is granted.,The claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's sleep apnea disorder was granted a 50% disability rating prior to October 1, 2020. A higher rating is denied since that date.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20% disability rating prior to May 7, 2018. A higher rating is denied since that date.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis does not warrant an initial compensable disability rating.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety) was granted a 70% disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and service connection for a left hand and finger disability due to inadequate reasons provided in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records and inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran's respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis, need further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis prior to June 26, 2019 is granted. The claim for a higher rating thereafter remains in appellate status.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records and any relevant private treatment records.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional development of his service treatment records, including those from Camp Hovey, Korea.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis prior to June 26, 2019 is granted. The claim for a higher rating thereafter remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and GERD have been granted service connection. The right ankle disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions provided are inadequate and requires additional remands for addendum opinions regarding whether the Veteran's disabilities are aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric disability, COPD with asthma, or tobacco use disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sinus conditions and their relationship to service-connected traumatic deviated nasal septum status post septoplasty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of nexus opinion for the Veteran's claimed allergic rhinitis. A new VA examination and/or opinion is required.