The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and denied the claims for sinusitis, an increased rating for hypertension, SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, and other issues. The remaining issues are remanded.

The deciding factor: Service connection was granted for allergic rhinitis due to in-service exposure to fine particulate matter during the Persian Gulf War era. Sinusitis was denied as there is no current diagnosis. Hypertension did not meet criteria for a higher rating, and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ was not warranted.

Claimed conditions

allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, hypertension, neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, right hand tremors, left hand tremors, migraine headaches

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

January 30, 2025

Citation

A25008679

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