Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2024

Service connection for chronic rhinitis is granted due to the PACT Act. Service connection for chronic sinusitis is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus II, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability have been denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for allergic rhinitis/sinusitis has been denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for hypertension and sleep apnea have been denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are found to be etiologically related to active service, including exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is not rated higher than noncompensable due to the absence of polyps or obstruction greater than 50 percent on both sides.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sinus condition, diagnosed as allergic rhinitis, erythematous turbinates, and deviated nasal septum, finding that it began in service and is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, allergic rhinitis, and chronic bronchitis have all been denied.,There is no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no showing of a disease or injury during service, continuous symptoms since service, or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was denied as there is no evidence of penile deformity.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss was denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for an exceptional pattern and falls within the noncompensable range.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as he does not have hearing loss for VA purposes in that ear.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lower back pain was denied as there is no evidence of a disability at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, for the period from September 14, 2021, to April 11, 2024, was denied as there is no evidence showing greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Veteran's claims for compensable disability ratings for allergic rhinitis, IBS with gastritis, migraine headaches, and thyroid disability have all been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are found to have begun during active service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's asthma with exertional dyspnea is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, left shoulder strain (rotator cuff tendinitis), and lumbosacral strain are not service-connected. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is also not service-connected.,An initial rating of 20 percent for cervical strain was granted effective March 31, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claims of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that there is a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not related to his service-connected COPD.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not related to his service-connected COPD or any other in-service factor.

The Veteran's chronic rhinitis symptoms prior to April 12, 2022, manifested as complete obstruction of one nasal passage without polyps. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation due to the need for higher level aid and attendance related to his traumatic brain injury.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for allergic rhinitis, diverticulosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and restless leg syndrome due to procedural errors prior to the July 2022 SSOC. The PACT Act is applicable in these cases.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the cases are remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of their respiratory conditions.

The Board has determined that the current medical opinion is inadequate and requires further examination to determine if any of the identified respiratory disorders are related to or had its onset in service, and whether they were caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.