The Veteran's service connection for allergic rhinitis (sinusitis) is granted. The Veteran's residual left foot scar, status post Morton's neuroma excision, and residual left palm scars, status post laceration and surgery, are rated at a single initial 20 percent rating from November 1, 2010.
The deciding factor: The Board found the evidence approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's allergic rhinitis began during active service. The VA examination report indicated current allergic rhinitis. There were also continuous symptoms in the years since service and a diagnosis of current allergic rhinitis. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.
- Claimed conditions
- Allergic Rhinitis, Residual Left Foot Scar, Status Post Morton's Neuroma Excision, Residual Left Palm Scars, Status Post Laceration and Surgery, Left Thumb Fracture, Status Post Laceration and Surgery, Left 5th Digit Fracture, Status Post Laceration and Surgery, Left Hand and Finger Paresthesia of the Distal Fingers, Status Post Laceration Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23027005
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 23027005.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not been manifested by greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, and no nasal polyps have been found. Therefore, an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.
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.