Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, and rhinitis, meet the schedular criteria for entitlement to individual unemployability.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for discogenic right sciatic radicular pain (partial paralysis right sciatic) as it was granted in a prior rating decision. Service connection was established for other conditions, including chronic sinusitis, PTSD, and various musculoskeletal issues, all presumed related to Southwest Asia service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable disability rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for sinusitis was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,For the period prior to February 14, 2022, the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, thus denying a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including sinusitis, rhinitis, a neck disability, and a right shoulder disability, caused his sleep apnea. The Board granted the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a compensable rating for tinea pedis. The evidence did not support finding that the conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for chronic sinusitis and deviated nasal septum status post septoplasty with rhinitis, as there may be outstanding medical records from Pensacola Naval Hospital that have not been considered.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% disability rating for rhinitis, effective January 18, 2019. The reduction from a 10% to noncompensable rating was improper due to lack of sustained improvement in the condition under ordinary life conditions.

The Veteran's claim seeking service connection for a left knee disability, allergic rhinitis, and hemorrhoids has been granted. The Veteran was previously denied these claims due to lack of new and relevant evidence, but the readjudication now grants them based on the receipt of such evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction but remanded the cases of rhinitis and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions that did not consider all potential toxic exposures.

The Veteran's initial disability evaluation for rhinitis was denied, and the claims of service connection for eczema/skin disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right foot disorder (pes planus) are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and GERD. The Veteran's conditions were found to be not related to service.,Service connection was denied as the evidence did not show that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions worsened during service or were otherwise related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for higher ratings for GERD, rhinitis, sleep apnea, MDD, and ED. The Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations related to these issues constitutes a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular rating requirements for TDIU since November 14, 2022. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he was unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis were denied in an August 2022 rating decision. The Board found no CUE in this decision, as the facts at that time did not support a grant of service connection. Additionally, the earlier effective date claim was denied because new evidence received after one year from the initial denial is not eligible for retroactive consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis due to exposure to fine particulate matter during the Gulf War in Southwest Asia, effective August 5, 2021. The claim for service connection prior to this date is remanded as further examination may be needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran was exposed to burn pits during service, and his conditions are related to in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, right hand disability, left hand disability, and low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo, allergic rhinitis, and migraines as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The conditions are found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as he did not continuously pursue his claim and the earliest possible effective date is August 1, 2019.