Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an appropriate VA examination for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, as it relates to his service-connected nasal disabilities. The examiner must address whether the Veteran's OSA is caused or aggravated by any of his service-connected nasal disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received, and also because of a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's esthesioneuroblastoma is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, but there are conflicting opinions on its etiology.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are granted service connection based on direct evidence of in-service injury. The respiratory disability is granted service connection due to the PACT Act presumption for Gulf War Veterans exposed to fine particulate matter.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service. The claims for sinusitis and rhinitis are denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service. The issue of a higher initial rating for hypertension was dismissed as there was no substantive appeal filed under the legacy system.

The Board denied service connection for chronic sinusitis, bronchial asthma, and interstitial lung disease as there was no evidence of a current disability during the claim period or immediately prior to filing.

The Veteran's deviated septum with chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis were denied increased ratings prior to August 5, 2015.,From August 5, 2015, the Veteran was already in receipt of the maximum schedular rating for his chronic sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case, and the Veteran requested that his case be returned to the AOJ for review.

The Veteran's compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for a more recent examination to assess the severity of his condition.

Service connection is granted for fibromyalgia, right and left hand disabilities, and right and left little, long, index, ring fingers, and thumbs. Service connection is denied for painful joints, degenerative arthritis, respiratory disorder (other than service-connected allergic rhinitis), muscle pain, gynecological disability (other than service-connected scars status post laparoscopy for ovarian cyst), left toe fracture, left foot and toe condition, right foot and toe condition, dizziness, left knee disability, and right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death, finding that the Veteran's service-connected CAD and rhinitis and sinusitis contributed to his death.

The Board has denied earlier effective dates for service connection of the Veteran's conditions due to lack of evidence showing an intent to seek benefits prior to August 12, 2013. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for PTSD and GERD, as well as the increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is also being remanded to obtain an adequate etiology opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and/or insomnia. The issue is now remanded for further readjudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of hyperlipidemia. The Board found that hyperlipidemia does not constitute a disability for VA benefits purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted.,Service connection has been established for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from April 16, 2013 to December 31, 2014.,TDIU was denied for the period January 1, 2015 to August 7, 2015 due to substantially gainful income.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's chronic rhinitis. The Veteran contends her condition began during service and was related thereto, but the VA examiner did not consider her lay statements or provide a fully reasoned explanation for their rejection.

The Board has remanded the claims for further review due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in the September 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The Veteran's attorney argues that the SSOC did not provide adequate discussion of the relevant evidence, allowing the Veteran an opportunity to present arguments before the Board.