The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and hypertension associated with obstructive sleep apnea have been denied as there is no evidence of nasal obstruction greater than 50 percent in both nasal passages or complete obstruction on one side, nor nasal polyps, required for a compensable rating under DC 6522. The Veteran's blood pressure readings were consistently below the criteria for hypertension ratings.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis resulted in greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, nor did it show the presence of nasal polyps. The Veteran's blood pressure readings were consistently below the criteria for hypertension ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Allergic Rhinitis, Hypertension associated with obstructive sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2026
- Citation
- A26008317
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 A26008317.
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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.
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