Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's allergy condition is denied as it is not shown to have had its onset in service or be related to service. The Board found that the current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was noted on a Report of Medical History at entry into service, but there is insufficient evidence to establish that this preexisting condition was aggravated by service.,The Veteran's heart condition (bicuspid aortic valve and right bundle branch block) is denied as it is not shown to have had its onset in service or be related to service. The Board found that the current diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital defect, and there is no evidence showing it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right plantar fasciitis, low back disability, obstructive sleep apnea, heart condition (coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation), deviated septum, and respiratory condition have all been granted.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative arthritis of the spine, obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, deviated septum, and a respiratory condition (sinusitis, rhinitis, upper respiratory infection).

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected conditions, including allergic rhinitis and other disabilities, has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted, while claims for allergic rhinitis, right eye condition, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, back injury, left knee disability, and hypertension are denied.

The appeal for service connection for right median sensorimotor neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, left and right shin splints, cataracts, deviated septum, depression, a right elbow disorder, and a heart disorder has been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for hypertension (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claims for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeals are granted in part.

The Veteran's low back condition and left shoulder condition are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's chronic stomach condition (claimed as residuals of appendix removal) and GERD are remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is remanded for a VA opinion regarding its preexistence in service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding conflicting diagnostic results and whether polyps require surgical intervention.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis was denied as there were no incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis requiring treatment. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to January 6, 2021, was granted due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from engaging in substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, an ear disorder, right ear hearing loss, and depression. The Veteran's claims are also being reviewed for a higher evaluation for scars and for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis. The right wrist disability and residuals of TBI issues are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is rated at 40 percent effective April 30, 2019. The claim of service connection for a heart disorder has been reopened and granted due to new evidence indicating potential inservice onset. Service connection for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and acquired psychiatric disorders are all granted on a presumptive basis.,The Veteran's right knee, left knee, left shoulder, left hand, and left wrist disorders have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her claims at the November 2021 Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been reopened, but the claim is denied.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis was also denied. The evidence does not support a finding that the condition began during or within one year of separation from active duty.,Benign pulmonary nodule claims were denied as well.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for rhinitis and sinusitis are being remanded due to concerns about the competency of the VA examiner who provided medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected GERD, but the opinion did not address whether it was aggravated by other conditions. The case is being remanded for a new opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional evidence regarding service connection for upper respiratory condition, including secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis was dismissed because he requested and confirmed withdrawal of the appeal in May 2022.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and right Achilles tendonitis have been granted service connection. However, the claim for service connection of a low back disability is remanded.,Service connection has not been established for sinusitis.

The Board denied service connection for OSA, remanded issues regarding fungal condition of the toe (aggravation), allergic rhinitis, and left ear hearing loss.