Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as she does not meet the threshold requirement of entitlement to SMC at the maximum rate or an intermediate rate.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee patellar tendonitis and vasomotor rhinitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition, nor did it meet the criteria for a compensable rating for vasomotor rhinitis.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for further medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, as well as left maxillary sinus cancer.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were found to be noncompensable, while the Veteran's retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee and chondromalacia patella of the right knee were not rated higher than 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability. The claims for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and respiratory disorder (hay fever and sleep apnea) are remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.

The VA has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and restoration of her rating for allergic rhinitis with exercise induced asthma. The RO found that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet with claw toes and allergic vasomotor rhinitis are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for these conditions. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her thoracic and lumbar spine disability, gluten enteropathy and GERD, and left foot disability do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The issue of an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending and requires further review.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD, and did not assign a compensable disability rating for maxillary sinusitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

The Board has reduced the Veteran's rating for allergic rhinitis from 30 percent to noncompensable, finding that her condition had improved and no longer met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's asthma with allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and all manifestations of her service-connected allergic rhinitis, including whether it causes polyps or nasal obstruction on both sides. The issue of TDIU is also referred back to the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right elbow tendonitis, hypothyroidism, allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and depression. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and fibrotic cyst disease of the left breast were denied. The Board found that her allergy symptoms are likely due to service, but there is no current diagnosis of fibrotic cyst disease of the left breast.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinus condition was not present in service, did not manifest within one year of discharge, and there is no nexus between her current condition and service. The appeal for service connection for a sinus condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. As a result, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sinusitis, rhinitis, and headaches are post-traumatic in nature and directly related to his September 1969 in-service injury. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's residuals of status post bladder suspension are productive of continual urinary leakage requiring the wearing of absorbent materials at least four to five times a day, and she is granted an initial disability rating of 60 percent.