The Board denied increased ratings for frontal and maxillary sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and post-operative bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphies as the evidence did not support entitlement to a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were rated based on their functional impact rather than the frequency or severity of symptoms. The Board found that there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, nor significant non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.
- Claimed conditions
- Frontal and maxillary sinusitis, Allergic rhinitis, Post-operative bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphies
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20044291
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 20044291.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to February 5, 2024, for a 10 percent evaluation of allergic rhinitis was denied. The Veteran also appealed for a higher rating for his allergic rhinitis and this was denied as well.,The Veteran's PTSD with TBI claim is remanded due to inadequate medical examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of allergic rhinitis. Service connection is granted for a skin disorder (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) and denied for a chronic cervical spine disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for GERD and allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, as there is no documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia requiring daily medications or dilatation more than once per year. For allergic rhinitis, the Veteran's symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a compensable rating due to lack of polyps and obstruction.
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