Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral pes planus from November 25, 1997 to December 11, 1998, and later increased the evaluation to 30 percent effective December 11, 1998. Service connection for tinnitus and scalp dermatitis were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis, but the veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation remains pending.

The veteran's application for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected conditions of atrophic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, which do not qualify under the specific provisions for such grants.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service and concluded that any current low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The veteran's allergic rhinitis, reactive airway disease, and headaches are secondary to his service-connected nasal fracture with shattered facial bone.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, with the exception of a gynecological disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's service connection and rating claims, including consideration of recent changes in VA regulations.

The veteran is granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and a rating of 20% for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine with bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for sinusitis remains pending.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure, and for rhinitis. The evidence received was deemed cumulative or redundant.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected residuals of a nasal injury, finding that the evidence did not support an increase beyond the current 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for further searches.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a variously diagnosed respiratory disorder, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not support a finding that the current respiratory disorders were related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, but granted the initial ratings of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, bilateral athlete's foot, and favorable ankylosis of the right ring and little fingers.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not impair his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes and interests. Therefore, he is not in need of vocational rehabilitation.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected residuals of nasal fracture with deviated septum, and a separate 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was evaluated as noncompensable prior to October 7, 1996. Since then, it has been productive of slight edema and crusting in the nasal mucosa but not atrophic changes or other severe symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for tinea pedis, rhinitis, tympanic membrane condition, and depression. The decision also granted service connection for residuals of a left rib injury but assigned a noncompensable rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right hip disability, allergic rhinitis, nephrolithiasis (claimed as kidney stones), gastroesophageal reflux disease, and right foot metatarsalgia. The RO granted service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder and cervical spine but assigned a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's service records show treatment for sinus congestion and headaches, but no chronic disability was found. The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current heart condition other than hypertension.,There is no evidence of a chronic heart condition or hypertension beginning during service.