Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and reopening of previously denied claims were denied. The Board found that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen his claim for service connection for a deviated nasal septum.

The Board denied service connection for upper respiratory disability, headaches, and lipoma at the left temple or its residuals due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

For the period prior to May 14, 2014, the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was manifested by mild symptoms without obstruction of the nasal passages or polyps. For the period from May 14, 2014, the condition has been characterized by greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides with permanent hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates and no polyps.,For the period prior to October 2013, the service-connected sinusitis was productive of three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge. For the period from October 2013, the condition has been manifested by six or more non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge.

The Veteran's sleep disorder is granted service connection and his rhinitis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis are being remanded for further evaluation as the current state of his conditions has not been assessed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's rhinitis was caused or aggravated by in-service herbicide exposure. The sleep apnea claim is also deferred pending resolution of the rhinitis claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and allergic rhinitis had their onset in service, and the Board has found that these conditions are service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 26, 2011 for service connection of tinnitus has been granted. The effective date is set at March 4, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing new VA examinations.

The Veteran's sinusitis/allergic rhinitis with headaches is rated at 30 percent from the date of claim to November 3, 1994. A separate 30 percent rating for sinus headaches has also been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches did not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Veteran's headache disorder is secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury. His insomnia, diagnosed as chronic sleep impairment due to PTSD, is part of his service-connected disability rating for PTSD. The VA examiner found no evidence of fibromyalgia or muscle cramps and joint pains that could be attributed to an undiagnosed illness.

The case is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities affect her ability to work, either individually or in aggregate. The AOJ will then re-adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder (meniscal degeneration) and denied service connection for allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's left knee disorder is found to have its onset during active duty, while his allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for service connection as there is no evidence of an in-service event or diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD and allergic rhinitis do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for rhinitis, finding that it is less likely than not related to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and private treatment records. The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis will be evaluated to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's prostate condition, including prostatitis and prostate cancer, is presumed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.