The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis and asthma were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis or a rating in excess of 30 percent for asthma.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records did not show any polyps, greater than 50-percent obstruction on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, FEV-1 score or an FEV-1/FVC ratio of less than 40 percent of predicted value, more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids or immune-suppressive medications for asthma. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not manifested by nasal polyps or obstruction on both sides.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, heart disorder (to include ischemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, hyper-dynamic left ventricle, small left ventricle cavity, and bi-atrial enlargement), allergic rhinitis, asthma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2013
- Citation
- 1329013
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1329013.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to his in-service deviated septum.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep disorder is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is denied as service connection is not warranted due to the condition being solely attributed to smoking.
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