Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not caused more than a noncompensable degree of disability, and thus his claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated nasal septum status post corrective surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis with intermittent allergic bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the appellant's failure to appear for VA examinations and requests for an examination outside of the U.S. The claims will be adjudicated again after these issues are resolved.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis has been productive of five non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis in the preceding 12 month period, characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The Veteran does not have nasal polyps. As such, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with the exception of allergic rhinitis. The Veteran was awarded a 10 percent disability rating for low back strain with hip strain, a 40 percent rating for polycystic ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, and an initial compensable rating for right foot scar.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the issue on appeal can be adjudicated. Specifically, the Veteran needs to provide treatment records from Eastern Virginia Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists since July 15, 2008, and any other records dated since April 6, 2010. Additionally, a VA examination should be scheduled to determine the current extent of his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess current functional impairment due to these conditions.

The Veteran's service records show diagnoses of sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. The Board has re-characterized the issues as a sinus/rhinitis disorder and respiratory disorders (including bronchitis and asthma). Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for sleep apnea with disordered breathing and allergic rhinitis have been granted, but the appeal is pending for other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue and sinusitis were denied. However, her claim for allergic rhinitis was granted due to a history of hay fever at enlistment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service records and for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right ankle disorder, right shoulder disability, sinusitis, or chronic disabilities involving joint pain of his wrists, elbows, knees and ankles due to disease or injury incurred in service. However, it is just as likely as not that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the final August 2004 rating decision is not new and material, and therefore, the claims of entitlement to service connection for conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis are not reopened.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected as the underlying condition did not arise from his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective August 17, 2009.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder (asthma) is found to have been incurred in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The remaining issues on appeal are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for postnasal fracture with scar, speech disorder, and allergic rhinitis due to lack of evidence showing a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.