Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for rhinitis and 30 percent for asthma prior to December 23, 2014. The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected asthma met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative nasal septum deformity with vasomotor rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has granted a separate rating for his saddle nose disfigurement. The issues of TDIU and SMC have also been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation benefits for his spouse was denied as the RO was notified of his marriage to his current wife on July 22, 2010, which is when he submitted a VA Form 21-686c. The earliest effective date that can be assigned is August 1, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected nasal condition. The claim for PTSD was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis prior to June 15, 2013 and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis since June 15, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the Veteran with VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for rhinitis/sinusitis and initial rating for tongue injury residuals are on appeal.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 90%, which satisfies the criteria for a TDIU. The evidence shows that the Veteran's PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbance, and allergic rhinitis have been granted service connection. The bilateral foot disorder has not.,Service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed conditions is established.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not been manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, or polyps at any time during the period of the claim. Therefore, a compensable evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for hyperreactive airway/asthma with allergic rhinitis and granted it. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found not related to his military service, but a VA examination is needed to address this issue further. The high cholesterol claim remains pending.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not the result of herbicide exposure and sun exposure during service. The RO granted service connection for this disability. Other issues remain pending in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development of evidence related to his claims, including review of SSA records and VA DBQs. The case will then be returned to the Board if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling examinations, and considering the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is being remanded due to incomplete development and the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis is rated at 10 percent, and his chronic vasomotor rhinitis (previously characterized as chronic sinusitis) is rated at 10 percent. The appeal issues are granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, Lumbosacral Strain, Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis, and Bilateral Pes Planus. Additionally, the Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for Sleep Apnea secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic allergies, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The Board also noted that hypertension was not shown to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's sinus disability and allergic rhinitis are related to his military service.