Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected chronic allergic rhinitis is denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating prior to November 22, 2021, and a 10 percent disability rating thereafter.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are presumed to be related to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's lower back injury is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a nexus between the current condition and service.,The Veteran's bilateral flatfeet are rated at 30% since October 16, 2020. The claim for higher ratings prior to that date is remanded due to lack of compliance with remand directives.,Service connection for chronic headaches, allergic rhinitis (chronic nose bleeding), and sleep apnea syndrome is remanded as the RO did not substantially comply with remand directives.,Service connection for cervical spine pain and right jaw injury with residuals is also remanded due to lack of compliance with remand directives.

The Board denied service connection for rhinitis, loss of teeth, and neck disability as secondary to service-connected residuals of fractured mandible and maxilla. Sinusitis and headaches are remanded due to insufficient etiology opinions.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, was denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 13, 2017, and a rating in excess of 70 percent from that date.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was denied an initial compensable rating prior to December 30, 2019.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, which approximated greater than 50 percent obstruction on both sides and polyps.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not show obstruction of the nasal passage on one or both sides due to her condition, and she does not have polyps. The current noncompensable rating is appropriate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including a nasal endoscopy and medical opinions regarding secondary disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back disability. The claims for sinusitis and deviated nasal septum have been denied, while the claim for allergic rhinitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions were denied, including reactive airway disease, spontaneous ecchymosis, skin disorder, and cardiovascular disorders. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his respiratory condition or knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's headache disorder, specifically whether it is consistent with an undiagnosed illness or a diagnosable but medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA sleep apnea examination and addressing whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for psychiatric disability, TBI, and left thigh and tibia disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for respiratory disorder and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for a respiratory disorder (including asthma and allergic rhinitis with hay fever) and reopened claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, and her sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are each rated at 10 percent. The TDIU claims from January 21, 2015 to March 2, 2021 have been granted, but the TDIU claim from March 3, 2021 has been denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as it is unclear whether the Veteran has submitted a completed VA Form 21-8940 and/or VA Form 21-4192. The Veteran's TDIU application status needs to be clarified.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and benefits have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all remaining claims.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling from March 1, 2012. The Board granted a higher rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder and dismissed the TDIU claim as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, but has remanded the issue of service connection for hemorrhoids.