The Veteran's April 13, 2011, sinus claim reasonably encompassed a claim for rhinitis; the claim for a higher initial rating for service connected sinusitis was continuously prosecuted since April 13, 2011; and an October 2021 VA-obtained Sinus/Rhinitis Disability Benefits Questionnaire reflects onset of allergic rhinitis in 2006 that is secondary to service connected sinusitis.

The deciding factor: The effective date for the award of service connection for allergic rhinitis as secondary to service-connected sinusitis was granted on April 13, 2011, but not earlier, based on the continuous prosecution of the claim and the evidence showing onset in 2006.

Claimed conditions

allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), back disability

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

100%

Decision date

March 7, 2025

Citation

A25021490

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