Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as TDIU due to additional evidence received after the April 2020 Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis due to inadequate VA examinations/medical opinions. The Veteran's pes planus was noted upon entrance into service and an aggravation opinion is needed. For allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, a new VA examination and medical opinion are required as the Veteran had non-deployment related exposure through his MOS as Engineer Equipment Repairman.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis prior to July 20, 2023 is denied. The right shoulder and sleep apnea issues are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and a lung condition (claimed as emphysema) secondary to ankylosing spondylitis due to potential in-service exposure to burn pits. The claims are being reviewed again with consideration of all applicable deployments and toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis (claimed as rhinitis) is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of nasal polyps.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person for the period from September 28, 2021 onward. However, there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities alone result in the need for aid and attendance prior to this date.

The Board denied a TDIU for the period between January 9, 2020, and February 17, 2023, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Board also denied an earlier effective date for DEA benefits eligibility prior to February 17, 2023, as there was no evidence of a total and permanent service-connected disability before this date.

The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for COPD, residuals of tuberculosis, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The left shoulder disorder rating remains pending.

The Veteran's rhinitis has been granted service connection, but a compensable rating is denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension has been granted. The Veteran's strain of the herpes virus claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The Board will consider all evidence received since the May 2020 statement of the case.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

Service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis has been granted with an effective date of June 7, 2018.,An earlier effective date of June 7, 2018, was granted for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis and a skin condition, variously diagnosed as psoriasis and seborrheic keratosis, are granted. The Board finds that the conditions started during service and continued to present.

The Board finds that the Veteran has arthritis and swelling in his hands, hips, and knees. Therefore, a remand is required to schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine if he has these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and insomnia as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (chronic idiopathic physical urticaria, allergic rhinitis, and chronic pansinusitis) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical opinions and potential participation in a TERA. The issues of service connection for allergic rhinitis, unspecified respiratory condition, and back strain are all being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis with headaches), and hypertension have been denied. The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion.,The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension claim should be remanded to address whether his diagnosed hypertension is the result of an injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's back impairment and rhinitis are granted service connection. Increased ratings for knee instability and a compensable rating for nose injury status post septorhinoplasty are granted, but the right knee meniscal tear is denied. The Board also remanded issues related to TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, while his dyslipidemia and other disabilities are denied. The case is remanded for further examination.