Allergic rhinitis Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly evaluate the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obtaining medical examinations and records.

The veteran's low back pain/strain is currently rated at 20% effective from the date of original service connection.,The veteran's chronic sinusitis/allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 30%, with a maximum potential rating of 50%. The veteran has had 3 or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged treatment (4 to 6 weeks).

The Board has determined that the combined service-connected disability rating is correctly calculated as 50 percent. The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's vocational goal of becoming a gunsmith is reasonably feasible for purposes of entitlement to vocational rehabilitation and training under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31, as his education and work experience are sufficient to find suitable employment.

The VA denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's left shoulder disability is not rated higher than the current 10 percent evaluation.,Service connection for a low back disability, right hip disability, sinus condition and/or allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, and stomach disorder are denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's status post hemorrhoidectomy, effective from the date of the decision. The increased evaluations for allergic rhinitis and tension headaches remain noncompensable.

The VA denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right elbow lateral epicondylitis and left elbow lateral epicondylitis are not service-connected, as they do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a direct link to service. The allergic rhinitis is also not service-connected because it does not qualify under the provisions for undiagnosed illnesses related to service in the Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, variously classified.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis and an earlier effective date for a compensable rating for his deviated nasal septum with allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension, arthritis of the right shoulder, rhinitis, and low back pain are all service-connected. The bilateral pingueculae were not found to be related to service. The urinary tract infection was also not found to be service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. The veteran's asthma was found to have existed prior to service, and the increase in severity during service is presumed due to the natural progression of the disease. For her allergic rhinitis, there were no polyps or significant obstruction.

The veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for diabetes mellitus, balanitis, nasal disorder (rhinitis and loss of a sense of smell), and visual acuity were denied as not well grounded. His claim for an increased evaluation for renal dysfunction with hypertension was granted at a 30% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during his period of active duty. The claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not shown to be related to service, including his Persian Gulf War service. The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including skin rashes, allergic rhinitis, heat/cold intolerance, photophobia, and high blood pressure. The veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The VA has granted increased ratings for anxiety with depression, sinusitis with rhinitis, and tinnitus. The appellant's left ear sensorineural hearing loss, hemorrhoids, residuals of a left radius fracture, residuals of a right carponavicular bone fracture, and scars on the left cheek and lower lip are all rated at their maximum possible levels.

The VA has determined that the veteran's nasal deformity and allergic rhinitis do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.