Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability claimed as gout and initial compensable ratings for deviated septum with surgery and allergic rhinitis were denied. The Board finds that additional development is needed to address the remaining claim.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of cold injuries of the hands and feet (claimed as frostbite) is denied because there are no separate and distinct manifestations not already associated with service-connected conditions.,Service connection for a sinus condition, to include left-frontal sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, is denied due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that resulted in current symptoms. The Veteran's currently-diagnosed allergic rhinitis is attributed to environmental allergens rather than military service.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The effective date of this rating decision is not specified.,The Veteran's asthma is denied, with no higher than a 10 percent evaluation being granted.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for the Veteran's muscle tension headaches.,A 10 percent evaluation is granted for each of the Veteran's elbow tendonitis conditions.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is denied and remains at its current 0 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for anal fissure and allergic rhinitis have been withdrawn. The remaining issues of entitlement to higher initial ratings for right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, earlier effective dates for service connection for bipolar disorder and special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound, and TDIU are currently before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's sinusitis and rhinitis are rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for chronic pansinusitis. The right ear lesion is service-connected as a result of in-service sun exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA/privately obtained medical records. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA examination to assess whether his otitis media and rhinitis are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis was not incurred in or aggravated by his service, including his service in Saudi Arabia. The VA examiner concluded there was no evidence of sinus problems during military service and that worsening symptoms upon return from service were likely due to environmental factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, or any pulmonary disorder. The preponderance of evidence is against service connection for these conditions.,There are no records showing chronic bronchial asthma or other pulmonary disorders in service or within one year after service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for sinusitis/allergic rhinitis and left knee scar have been withdrawn. The right knee derangement appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are found to be causally related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing rhinitis was aggravated by his military service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, clarification of evidence, and consideration of new medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination of his allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, including determining whether his current sinusitis, headaches, and sleep apnea are related to his military service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and respiratory disability (including asthma and obstructive lung disease) were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sinus disability, including allergic rhinitis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to a service-connected condition. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, but further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's sinus disorder other than allergic rhinitis is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated at 30 percent from April 4, 2008 to May 15, 2011 and increased to 50 percent effective May 16, 2011. Her iron deficiency anemia and leukopenia was rated at 10 percent beginning August 4, 2010. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.