The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, chronic headaches, and right knee disability. The claims for a compensable rating for an itchy linear scar coccyx status-post pilonidal cyst, rating in excess of 10 percent for a painful linear scar on the coccyx, and compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were denied.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis had its onset during service, chronic headaches had their onset during service, and right knee disability had its onset in service. The claims for a compensable rating for an itchy linear scar coccyx status-post pilonidal cyst, rating in excess of 10 percent for a painful linear scar on the coccyx, and compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were denied due to insufficient evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- itchy linear scar coccyx status-post pilonidal cyst, allergic rhinitis, chronic headaches, right knee disability, left knee disability (secondary to right knee), shin splints of the right leg, shin splints of the left leg, acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as mood disorder, situational/simple phobia and insomnia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2025
- Citation
- A25045858
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 Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine pain, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent yeast infections. The claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with alcohol use disorder and left knee pain were remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a new examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, including whether there is any nasal obstruction or polyps.
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.