Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for COPD, sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been granted effective June 6, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis has not shown to be manifested by a greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, nor has it been shown to be manifested by polyps. Therefore, the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for avascular necrosis of the right hip, allergic rhinitis, and pharyngitis, as well as her claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current sinusitis or rhinitis, and there is no evidence of a nexus between his service and these conditions. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, chronic sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis based on direct evidence of in-service disease or injury. The Veteran's MOS included exposure to asbestos, dust, and toxic fumes during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis and chronic maxillary and bilateral ethmoid sinusitis are secondary to his service-connected nasal fracture, post-operative septorhinoplasty, and rhinoplasty. The decision is granted.

The Veteran's depression is found to be service-connected, and the claims for lumps on the arms, skin condition, PTSD, muscle weakness, and allergic rhinitis are all denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis was incurred during active service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for the full-dollar rate of DIC benefits due to her residence in the Philippines, and her service was with the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines. The Appellant does not meet the criteria for increased DIC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has not found new and material evidence to reopen the claims for bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot fungus condition, or leg length discrepancy.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as service-connected, with the condition being proximately due to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for a sinus disorder, and the Veteran's symptoms in-service and post-service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome and asthma, seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is productive of a disability picture that more closely approximates greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides, warranting a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to January 15, 2013 or any disability rating in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is presumed to be due to asbestos exposure during service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, PTSD) may also be related to service. Service connection for substance abuse was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected ethmoid sinusitis and laryngitis have been rated appropriately at the current levels, with no need for higher ratings.

The Veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, so a compensable rating for the condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and maxillary sinusitis and vasomotor rhinitis, as well as his claim for TDIU, were denied by the RO in September 2009. The Board remanded these issues to allow for further development.