The Veteran's claims for service connection for syncope, increased ratings for social anxiety/depression and hemorrhoids, and a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by syncopal episodes during the appeal period. For her psychiatric disabilities, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 30 percent or higher rating throughout the appeal period. Her hemorrhoids were rated appropriately based on their severity and stage. Lastly, her allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records showed episodes of syncope during active duty but no chronic disability manifested by syncopal episodes was shown at any time after discharge. For her psychiatric disabilities, she did not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks as required for a 30 percent rating. Her hemorrhoids were rated appropriately based on their severity and stage. Lastly, her allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Syncope, Social Anxiety/Depression, Hemorrhoids, Allergic Rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 3, 2009
- Citation
- 0941699
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0941699.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 16, 2024 and noncompensable thereafter. The Board found the evidence against finding that his condition met the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA medical exams provided are inadequate for rating purposes and remands the case to obtain an adequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Veteran is entitled to a higher disability rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis.
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