Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, TMJ, bilateral plantar fasciitis, rosacea, and left thumb sprain as these conditions are found to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis have been denied as the evidence does not show that her conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating prior to February 25, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for GERD and allergic rhinitis, as well as his claim for service connection for sinusitis, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's representative withdrawing these issues. The case is remanded for initial review of new evidence by the AOJ.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 27, 2014. The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent since June 17, 2019. The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board also remanded cases regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), migraine headaches, sinusitis, and rhinitis due to OSA.

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not adequately comply with the October 2022 Board remand and thus, the cases are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied, and his claim of service connection for deviated nasal septum, status-post correction, with septoplasty is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a sinus condition (to include rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, allergies and sinusitis) as the evidence is approximately balanced in favor of finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sinus condition began during service and continued since then.

The Veteran's rhinitis is granted service connection, but his hypertension and lumbar spine disorder are denied. The psychiatric disorder (depression) claim cannot be decided due to lack of verified stressor.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional retrospective opinions regarding functional loss and flare-ups of his scoliosis, right knee disability, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are granted from August 5, 2021 due to a new VA rule. The claims for service connection before that date are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was submitted and requires further review by the AOJ before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete etiology opinions and failure to substantively comply with previous directives.,Specifically, the Board found that the VA examiners' opinions were inadequate as they did not address the Veteran's contentions regarding his MOS as an aircraft mechanic and the onset of symptoms during work activities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to restore VA disability compensation benefits for 16 days and reimburse $538.13 due to improper withholding of benefits in FY 2012. The issue regarding the withholding of benefits in FY 2013 is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for sinusitis has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service.,The Veteran's genitourinary disability is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the June 2022 VA examiner to determine its relationship to service.,The Veteran's right wrist CTS is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the November 2022 VA examiner to determine if it is related to service.,PTSD and other specified depressive disorder (hereinafter PTSD) are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to service.,Right leg shin splints are being remanded for an addendum opinion from the June 2022 VA examiner to determine their relationship to service.,Left leg shin splints are being remanded for an addendum opinion from the June 2022 VA examiner to determine their relationship to service.,Allergic rhinitis is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the January 2023 VA examiner to determine its relationship to service.,Dermatitis is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the January 2023 VA examiner to determine its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and rhinitis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, and left foot degenerative arthritis are granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's headache condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied entitlement to a compensable rating for sinusitis prior to August 12, 2022 and denied entitlement to a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis from that date onwards.