Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma were denied. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating, while his bronchial asthma remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied. The claims to reopen for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and hypertension were granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, low back disorder, and allergic rhinitis are all service-connected. The nasal fractures leading to current residuals of a deviated septum and hearing loss of the left ear were also found to be aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran has a chronic allergic rhinitis that was first manifested in service and is related to environmental exposures during his military service. The Board finds the evidence sufficient to grant service connection for this condition.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's terminal hospitalization and addressing whether his service-connected hypertension contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sinusitis was denied, and his initial rating of 30 percent for tonsillitis and residuals of a tonsillectomy has been maintained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and issuing a SOC on the issues of service connection for lumbosacral strain, chronic allergic rhinitis, and respiratory disorder (due to undiagnosed illness).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of substantial compliance with the Board's May 2010 remand directives. The case will be readjudicated after appropriate development, including scheduling VA examinations and determining whether referral for extraschedular evaluation is warranted.

The Veteran's sinus disability, characterized by near constant sinusitis with headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent nasal discharge, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The appeal for an increased evaluation has been granted.

The Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board has determined that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) should be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any nasal/sinus/respiratory disability, including COPD, asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and deviated septum. The Veteran's service treatment records indicate respiratory symptoms in service, but no definitive diagnosis was made.

The Veteran's service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted as the condition was aggravated by his military service.

The Board has requested further development due to unclear diagnoses and the need for additional testing. The Veteran is required to provide information about any VA or non-VA treatment during a specific period, and all identified records must be obtained.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic neck condition and a chronic sinus condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, deviated septum, and scarring of the right tympanic membrane are not supported by the evidence of record. The Veteran's conditions have been diagnosed but do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and a Social and Industrial Survey to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,The claim of new and material evidence to reopen a left knee disability has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's in-service diagnosis and ongoing treatment since discharge are sufficient to establish a link between her current condition and active duty.

The Veteran's right knee strain with degenerative disc disease and cervical spine disc disease are service-connected, as they are related to his in-service injuries. His allergic rhinitis is also service-connected.