Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction. The claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and right epididymitis are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a rating higher than 20 percent for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and compensable ratings for rhinitis prior to February 23, 2013 and since that date. The Board found no evidence of in-service onset or relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis has not been manifested by polyps, greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side, and thus does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected vasomotor rhinitis and diverticulitis requiring surgical resection with acid reflux are currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent). The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and an initial compensable rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (back disability) due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease and spondyloarthritis of the lumbar spine, and allergic rhinitis have been withdrawn.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current sinus disability, but has been diagnosed with rhinitis. The claim for service connection for sinusitis and/or rhinitis on a direct basis was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran does not have chronic nasal allergies, to include sinusitis and/or rhinitis, that are causally related to his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and it may not be presumed to have been incurred during service.,As the Veteran's claimed sleep degradation/deprivation/insomnia is already rated under his service-connected psychiatric disability, the appeal for service connection for this complaint is dismissed.,The criteria for an initial disability rating of 30 percent, but no more, for an acquired psychiatric disorder have been met throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's right knee disability has not been productive of flexion less than 45 degrees, extension greater than zero, or lateral instability or subluxations; but it has been productive of less than full flexion and pain on motion throughout the appeal.,The criteria for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for migraine headaches have not been met at any time during the appeal period.,There being no justiciable case or controversy, the appeal for an initial disability rating higher than 50 percent for sinusitis beginning November 17, 2011, is dismissed.,There being no justiciable case or controversy, the appeal for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis beginning November 17, 2011, is dismissed.,The criteria for a rating of 50 percent for sinusitis from May 2, 2007, to November 17, 2011, are met; and the criteria for a rating of 10 percent, but no more, for allergic rhinitis from May 2, 2007, to November 17, 2011, are met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, vertigo, upper respiratory disability, and gastrointestinal disability were denied. The Board found that the conditions did not have their onset in service or were not caused by service.

The Veteran's sinusitis was granted a 10% rating prior to April 3, 2012 and a 30% rating thereafter. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not compensable. The organic brain syndrome secondary to anoxia is also not compensable.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was initially rated as noncompensable (0%) and later increased to 10% effective November 26, 2012. The Board found that a compensable evaluation is not warranted prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for initial evaluations and ratings for his service-connected conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation or higher rating for any of the conditions.

The Board found no evidence of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition.,There was also no evidence of a left ear disability, claimed as popping, meeting the criteria for service connection. The Veteran's assertions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion and reviewing SSA disability determination records.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claim of service connection for a headache disability could not be reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. His rating for allergic rhinitis, which had been reduced from 30 percent to 10 percent effective February 1, 2012, is also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current allergic rhinitis is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, specifically allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, was not incurred in service and is not related to exposure to Agent Orange. The condition is considered a direct result of aging and changes in allergens.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vasomotor rhinitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion.