Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.,Additional VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran has current sinus, dysphagia, carpal tunnel syndrome, right arm disability, allergic rhinitis, asthma, cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, multiple sclerosis with left eye optic neuritis, and dysthymic disorder disabilities that are related to service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations obtained in connection with each claimed disability are deficient and requires new examinations to determine if the Veteran's disabilities had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related.

The Veteran's rhinitis was not rated higher than noncompensable due to lack of evidence showing greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction of one side.,The Veteran is entitled to TDIU from August 20, 2017, but no earlier as he had been employed prior to that date and was unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, reversing the previous denial.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for postoperative residuals, nasal trauma (allergic rhinitis) and allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show nasal obstructions or polyps to warrant a compensable rating prior to August 9, 2016, and no higher than 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to obtain this information.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for headaches and myopia have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence or need for additional examination.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and vasomotor rhinitis, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a left wrist disability due to conflicting evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nasal mucus membrane condition, including chronic sinusitis and rhinitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including sleep apnea, is remanded. The Veteran also has an increased rating claim for PTSD and seeks entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was initially granted service connection, but the Board denied a compensable rating as there is no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side due to rhinitis during the appeal period.

The Veteran's sinus disability, hypertension, right hip and left hip disabilities, jaw disability, sleep apnea, and right and left knee disabilities have been granted service connection. The Veteran is currently diagnosed with these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis) and his active-duty service, including exposure to hazardous chemicals.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinitis and deviated septum, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's right hand pain condition is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a right hand disability, including due to pain.,A compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis prior to March 9, 2021, is denied. The evidence does not show an increase in symptoms warranting a higher rating at that time.,An evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain prior to December 8, 2021, is denied. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on range of motion or other factors.,A 40 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain effective March 9, 2021, is granted as it was first factually ascertainable that her condition met this criterion at that time.,An evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain on or after March 9, 2021, is denied. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on range of motion or other factors.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify the mailing of a January 2014 rating decision and to verify the Veteran's service dates in the Air National Guard. Additionally, medical opinions are requested regarding whether any current disabilities are related to service, including during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis did not result in physician-prescribed bed rest or purulent discharge during the claim period, so a compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for kidney stones was granted. Service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, claimed as a chronic sinus condition, is also granted. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for COPD is granted, and the appeal is allowed in part. The claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fatty liver disease, GERD, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are remanded.

The Veteran's current disabilities of epistaxis, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis are found to be causally related to his active duty military service.,Service connection is granted for epistaxis, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.