Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to March 3, 2018. The Board granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are being evaluated further.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal disorders, sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, low back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. The issues are being remanded to ensure compliance with previous Board instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service and have continued since separation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mood disorder are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for trench foot and tuberculosis have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims.,Service connection has been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, initially claimed as PTSD or specific phobia. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of specific phobia are credible and etiologically related to service.,Service connection has also been granted for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, both diagnosed within ten years after Southwest Asia service and presumed due to exposure to particulate matter during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of itchy eyes was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. Service connection for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is granted due to in-service exposure within the presumptive period.,Issues related to low back disorder, right knee disorder, prostate disorder (BHP), obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for vitamin D deficiency and hyperlipidemia have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's higher rating claims for allergic rhinitis, left thumb disability (status post fracture), tinnitus, migraines, and asthma have also been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations of bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, and scar from right inguinal herniorrhaphy have been dismissed. Additionally, the appeal to reopen a previously denied claim for numbness on the right side of the body has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder (with TBI), chronic sinusitis, bilateral tinnitus, and allergic rhinitis, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it was caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability such as allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his representative requesting the withdrawal of all issues listed on the December 12, 2018, statement of the case. As a result, the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis with nasal obstruction and sleep apnea, to include sleep disturbances and snoring. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the onset of these conditions during service or their relationship to in-service events.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for asthma, allergic rhinitis, and a sinus condition due to potential aggravation by Gulf War environmental exposures. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded as it may be related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; service connection for obstructive sleep apnea; and total disability rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate medical opinions. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities have been granted service connection. The left knee disability and allergic rhinitis are pending issues.,An effective date earlier than June 17, 2016 for the award of right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy is denied. A timely notice of disagreement was not filed with respect to the issue of an earlier effective date for a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent, effective August 11, 2014. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted initial 20 percent ratings, effective August 11, 2014 and April 29, 2019 respectively. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 15, 2012. His right foot fibromatosis and left foot fibromatosis are granted service connection. His bilateral hip strains are secondary to his knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred during or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The left knee condition, PFB, and sinusitis/hay fever are all being reviewed.