Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional medical examinations and records, as the most recent evaluations are from three years ago.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as they were received within one year of his separation from active service, and the effective dates cannot be earlier than August 1, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities began during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and asthma have been granted. The claims for service connection for bronchitis and COPD have been denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for allergic rhinitis is granted. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is dismissed as the RO granted service connection in a December 2021 rating decision.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and left knee strain are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for rhinitis, sinusitis, cervical strain, left ankle arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bilateral foot hallux valgus and rigidus have been granted. However, the effective dates for GERD, left foot hallux valgus and rigidus, and right foot hallux valgus and rigidus are denied as they were not filed within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's claim for angina was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and IBS are being remanded for further evaluation.,Specifically, the Board is requesting additional medical evidence to determine if higher ratings are warranted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, right knee disability, and left knee disability are granted effective February 19, 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, rhinitis, urinary tract infection (UTI)/cystitis, and flank pain. The claim for bronchitis is remanded.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused current disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including GERD and tension headaches, are granted with a 30 percent rating. Service connection is established for allergic rhinitis, maxillary sinusitis (chronic sinusitis), functional abdominal pain syndrome with abdominal pain/bloating, respiratory insufficiency with dyspnea, and restless leg syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on aid and attendance from April 21, 2021.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, tinnitus, headaches, allergic rhinitis, and OSA are all granted.,Service connection is established for bilateral hearing loss due to the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of bilateral hearing loss was granted, with a 20 percent evaluation effective May 31, 2023. The claim for allergic rhinitis remained denied.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for rhinitis and a rating in excess of 30 percent for sinusitis are remanded due to the failure to provide a VA examination within two years of his election to proceed via the hearing lane.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as incurred in service. The cases for pruritus, athlete's foot, PFB, right knee disability, left knee disability (secondary to right knee), watery eyes, and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions considering toxic exposure.

The Veteran's chronic rhinitis, chronic cough, vocal fold atrophy with hoarseness, and GERD are all granted as service-connected due to exposure to burn pits while serving in Iraq.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on the presumption of exposure to environmental agents.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a skin disorder and a higher rating for rhinitis with history of sinusitis is denied. The Board found no evidence that the Veteran met the criteria for a 50% disability rating for his rhinitis, which would have required near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and tenderness of affected sinuses, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.

Service connection is granted for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, and degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder. Service connection is also granted for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle and right ankle.

The Veteran's chronic allergic rhinitis is granted as service connected due to the presumption of exposure to burn pits and other toxins.