Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2026

The Veteran's rhinitis did not manifest in polyps, so the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent were not met at any time during the review period.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the service connection claims for human papillomavirus epithelial cell abnormality, back disorder, and allergic rhinitis due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, right and left leg disabilities, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to potential pre-decisional error in scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance for his spouse, finding that she did not meet the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a) due to her ability to leave the house with assistance.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for tinnitus and allergic rhinitis was denied, while the claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded.,PTSD service connection remains pending as a VA examination has not been conducted due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder has been granted service connection.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder other than allergic rhinitis and sinusitis was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is dismissed. The appeals for COPD, lumbosacral strain, non-allergic rhinitis, left wrist sprain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are denied. Service connection requests for CFS, chronic sinusitis, and sleep apnea are also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hemorrhoids and chronic rhinitis due to multiple pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including failure to obtain active-duty service personnel records, Marine Reserve service records, and verify asbestos and herbicide agent exposure. The Board also requested additional medical opinions on the relationship between toxic exposures during service and the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that there are pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors in this case and a VA medical opinion is required on remand to address the Veteran's claims for GERD, IBS, right knee disability, left knee disability, low back disability, and sinusitis.,Specifically, the Board finds that the current evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and right ankle disability, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating for PTSD was not granted, as the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating. Allergic rhinitis was also not granted an increase in rating. Both right elbow conditions (limitation of flexion and impairment of supination and pronation) were not granted increases in ratings.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis, but has remanded the issue of increasing his disability rating to a higher level.

The Veteran's tinnitus and allergic rhinitis have been rated as the maximum available under VA guidelines, so a higher rating is not warranted.,The evidence does not support an increased rating for allergic rhinitis due to lack of polyps or other complications. The sinusitis claim has also been remanded.,Service connection for acute sinusitis cannot be established based on current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative lumbar arthritis and injuries to his lower extremities, result in the loss of use of both lower extremities such that he is unable to effectively ambulate independently without assistive devices. This meets the criteria for specially adapted housing eligibility.

The Veteran's right foot pain is found to have begun during service and granted service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown as a disability for VA purposes, thus denial of service connection.,No current diagnosis of rhinitis or sinusitis has been established, leading to denial of service connection.,Upper respiratory infections and sore throat conditions were not found at any time during the appeal period, resulting in denial of service connection.,Vertigo and dizziness have not been diagnosed, leading to denial of service connection.,Chronic chest pain, shortness of breath, and stress induced anxiety have not been shown as a disability for VA purposes, thus denying service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran and his spouse are not eligible for benefits under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to a lack of evidence showing they need personal care services from another individual. The case is being remanded to allow further development.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for sinusitis are being remanded due to errors in the original decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for further examinations.

The Board has granted effective dates of March 17, 2022 for service connection of sinusitis and chronic allergic rhinitis based on a presumption established by the PACT Act.