Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's 10 percent disability rating for allergic rhinitis was restored.,A 30 percent disability rating for allergic rhinitis from August 28, 2019, but not earlier, is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and readjudication, including assignment of an initial disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent evaluation is the maximum available.,Service connection for high cholesterol is denied because it does not meet VA compensation criteria.,A TDIU award is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantial gainful employment.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for schizophrenia remains remanded due to potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.,Claims for higher ratings for right rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis are also remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and metatarsalgia remain remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, internal hemorrhoids, right colon adenoma, umbilical hernia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a right colon adenoma is also remanded.,Service connection claims for an umbilical hernia secondary to the right colon adenoma and diabetes mellitus remain remanded.,Claims for service connection for heart disability, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the issues of initial compensable evaluation for service-connected chronic allergic rhinitis and TDIU prior to July 16, 2014. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to assess his current symptoms and their impact on employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, bilateral foot disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, left little toe disability, lumbar spine disability, and allergic rhinitis. The evidence supports a link between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ganglion cyst, right wrist; heart problems; depression due to marital problem; right knee injury; migraine headaches; and allergies/hay fever have been denied. The appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's glaucoma.

The appeal seeking service connection for headaches is dismissed. The appeal for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is remanded.

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis and bilateral flat feet (pes planus).,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, frequent urination, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and insomnia are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the nature and severity of the Veteran's sinusitis/rhinitis over the entire claim period from June 22, 2004, to the present.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension, as it may be secondary to a service-connected heart disability. The RO should obtain an addendum VA medical opinion to determine if hypertension is proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected heart disability.

Service connection is granted for sinusitis, rhinitis, and tinnitus.,Presumptive service connection is granted for rhinitis due to exposure in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service medical records. The Veteran's active duty and Army Reserve service are acknowledged, but further efforts must be made to obtain his complete service medical records.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability currently diagnosed as SIBO is granted service connection.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted. The Board notes that the PACT Act does not apply to this grant of service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for anxiety and mood swings, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, heart disorder, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis and rhinitis, right eye cataracts, left eye cataracts, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The Board found no in-service psychological injury or event leading to the current disabilities.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis was not rated compensably, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding service connection for a respiratory condition and a neck condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis, finding that the current sleep apnea disability was aggravated by this condition.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, hypertension, back pain, and rhinitis are all found to have begun during active service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder, including migraines, was granted. The separate award of service connection for insomnia is dismissed as it is considered a symptom of her major depressive disorder. The claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and chronic maxillary and frontal sinusitis are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal of your claim for service connection because you requested to withdraw it.

The Board has determined that the withholding of VA compensation benefits to recoup Separation Pay in the amount of $31,101.34 was proper and this appeal must be denied as a matter of law.