For the period prior to May 14, 2014, the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was manifested by mild symptoms without obstruction of the nasal passages or polyps. For the period from May 14, 2014, the condition has been characterized by greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides with permanent hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates and no polyps.,For the period prior to October 2013, the service-connected sinusitis was productive of three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge. For the period from October 2013, the condition has been manifested by six or more non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge.
The deciding factor: The May 2014 VA examination confirmed greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides due to rhinitis with permanent hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates but no polyps for allergic rhinitis. For sinusitis, the Veteran experienced six or more non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, tenderness, crusting, and purulent discharge since October 2013.
- Claimed conditions
- Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 3, 2016
- Citation
- 1622491
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1622491.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for sinusitis as of February 19, 2021, based on the number and duration of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, left knee condition, right knee condition, and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic laryngeal papillomatosis.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.