Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's insomnia is found to be caused by his service-connected tinnitus.,A 10 percent rating has been granted for decreased taste from June 28, 2011, to December 9, 2014.

The Veteran's asthma, GERD, migraines, and allergic rhinitis were not rated higher than 10 percent up to one year prior to her September 13, 2004 claim. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating in this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability, including hay fever, sinusitis, and rhinitis, did not exist prior to service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection is denied.

For the period from November 24, 2007 to June 14, 2010, the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides but without nasal polyps. The Board finds that a 10 percent disability rating is warranted for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain, upper respiratory disorder (hay fever and seasonal allergies), right knee disability, and left knee disability are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or nexus to service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for the entire list of issues presented. The Board found no evidence to support service connection for any conditions, and the ratings assigned were deemed appropriate based on the current functional impairment.

The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and assigned initial ratings for lumbar spondylosis and scoliosis, cervical spine disability, and GERD. The Veteran's GERD was rated at 0 percent prior to May 7, 2008, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since the grant of service connection in February 2008. The evidence shows that he experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, sore throat, and sinus pressure without significant obstruction or polyps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities, including allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and COPD, are not related to his service or in-service pneumonia. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that these conditions are due to smoking rather than service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected dermatitis of the hands and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis, while these disabilities are in their active stages. The increased rating claims will be readjudicated after any necessary development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a deviated nasal septum, but denied his claim for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The decision is pending further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and right epididymitis do not warrant a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for hyperhidrosis, allergic rhinitis, and lumbar strain. The Veteran's current conditions are found to have been incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after rescheduling the hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinosinusitis with headaches, and the issue of tension headaches is being reopened. The Veteran's hepatitis C claim remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection. The cervical spine disability, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and psychiatric disorder to include major depressive disorder are all found not to be related to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing sinus condition worsened during service and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Veteran's right medial calf strain and allergic rhinitis have been rated as noncompensable under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted for either condition based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development as there are outstanding VA treatment records and the issues on appeal require further consideration.

The Veteran's claim for COPD is denied as he did not have the disorder at any time since his June 2006 claim. Service connection is granted for recurrent sinusitis, which the Board finds to be a result of service.