Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2022

A disability rating of 70 percent, and no higher, for Generalized Anxiety Disorder is granted since May 24, 2016.,A 30 percent disability rating, and no higher, for Allergic Rhinitis to include sinusitis is granted.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be at least as likely as not due to his service-connected chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the claims for lower back condition, respiratory/sinus condition, and bilateral shoulder conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure and claimed ionizing radiation exposure. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD, acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, mild emphysema of the lungs, moderate chronic interstitial fibrosis of the lungs, asthma, and lung granulomas, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current disabilities and service or exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are related to her service-connected conditions, including her recently granted allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU was remanded due to the addition of new evidence and the need for an SSOC. The case will be reconsidered in light of all service-connected disabilities, including hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional examinations and records, as the Veteran's conditions have worsened since her last VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is required to protect her from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The claim of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is granted. The claim of a rating in excess of 10 percent for Service-connected Allergic Rhinitis is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and headache condition based on the presumption of exposure to fine particulate matter in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, and the Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating. The claims for vertigo, headaches (secondary to vertigo), and rhinitis have been remanded due to insufficient development or evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is not manifested by polyps, greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides without polyps, or complete obstruction on one side. Therefore, an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for sinus disorder with headaches and allergic rhinitis, both presumed to be due to exposure to particulate matter in the Persian Gulf during service, are granted. The claim for muscle and joint pain (claimed as fibromyalgia) is remanded for a new VA examination. The claim for sleep disorder (including sleep apnea) is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial disability rating for alopecia has been withdrawn and is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for chronic sinusitis and chronic rhinitis.

The Veteran's GERD and rhinitis are granted service connection, while the left knee condition is remanded for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder, specifically sinusitis and rhinitis. Additional development is needed including obtaining records from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Ford Hood, Texas, and providing an addendum medical opinion by an ENT specialist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA treatment or care, and the service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death. The appeal for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1310 is remanded due to unclear causes of death.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for hypertension due to withdrawal by the Veteran's attorney. The claims for increased rating for hammertoes and service connection for a nasal condition are remanded.