Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her claimed conditions.,Additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's conditions are related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for any of the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, paranasal condition, and sleep apnea as these conditions are found to have had their onset during active service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, left shoulder disability, and allergic rhinitis are all rated under the appropriate diagnostic codes. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine if higher ratings can be assigned.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's claims for service connection are inadequate and requires further examination by a physician.

The rating reductions for hypertension and allergic rhinitis were found to be improper due to lack of proper notice, and the ratings are restored. The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not resulted in polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, and thus does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case to consider whether the Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis. The Veteran's long history of working in a position requiring significant ambulation, combined with his left ankle disability, makes it reasonably possible that he cannot maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder is related to his in-service experiences, including harassment and racism. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claims for service connection for a skin condition, allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension was granted. Service connection for a skin condition is granted. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. Service connection for hypertension (effective August 10, 2022) due to the PACT Act of 2022 is granted.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for vitiligo, allergic rhinitis, low back disability, left hip disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraines with nausea and dizziness are all denied. The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for these conditions.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis is also denied. The evidence indicates that her allergic rhinitis manifested as allergic rhinitis without polyps, but with greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides.,Service connection claims for a low back disability and left hip disability are remanded. A VA examiner will be asked to determine whether it is clear and unmistakable that the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis was not aggravated beyond its natural progression by her active duty military service.,The Veteran's claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and migraines with nausea and dizziness are also remanded. A VA examiner will be asked to determine whether these conditions were incurred in, or related to, her active duty service.,PACT Act exposure is not applicable to any of the claims.,No rating assigned as all issues are currently denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board dismissed the appeal as it was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was rendered unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities for the appellate period prior to March 7, 2022. The appeal is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinitis on a presumptive basis due to exposure to burn pits during the Gulf War. Service connection is also granted for right and left knee disorders, as well as sleep apnea, based on in-service events. The Veteran's eczema and GERD are rated as they currently stand.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for a 10% rating for right knee osteophytes and service connection for right foot drop, allergic rhinitis, and tinnitus. The effective date is set at February 25, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted for allergic rhinitis/sinusitis and sleep apnea. The left knee, right wrist, erectile dysfunction (ED), and headaches claims are still pending and will be remanded.,Service connection has been established for allergic rhinitis/sinusitis and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis is granted a 10% evaluation, effective July 8, 2015. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right and left wrist disorders (carpal tunnel syndrome) due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinitis and a 30% rating for IBS, effective from the date of the decision. The December 1988 rating decision assigning a 10% evaluation for IBS is being reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for updated VA treatment records, as well as a new examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis.