Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia disorder, and chronic sinusitis with sinus headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and examinations.

The Board denied service connection for AAT deficiency, sinusitis, and right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy. The Veteran's AAT deficiency is a congenital defect not eligible for VA compensation. His sinus condition preexisted service and was not aggravated by service.,Right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy was denied as there was no evidence of distinct condition from his already service-connected right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection have been denied as the earliest possible effective date is October 1, 2016, the day after his separation from active service.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to new evidence received since the last decision.

The Veteran's claim for acne vulgaris was dismissed as the appeal is not properly before the Board.,Service connection has been granted for an acquired psychiatric condition, including GAD, MDD, PTSD, and Other Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder. The evidence supports a link between these conditions and service.,Service connection has been reopened for fibroid tumors and left ankle condition due to new and material evidence. Service connection is also granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's claims for varicose veins and respiratory condition (allergic rhinitis and sinusitis) are remanded as additional development may be needed.,Service connection has been reopened for a left ankle condition due to new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded three service connection claims: chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, and joint pain. The Regional Office is required to consider new evidence added since the last statement of the case and issue a supplemental statement of the case for these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymic disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and allergic rhinitis, has been granted. The case is remanded to obtain opinions regarding the secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's initial rating for chronic pansinusitis/rhinitis is denied as there were no incapacitating episodes or more than six non-incapacitating episodes during the prior year. The claim for TDIU for the period prior to January 30, 2020, is remanded due to incomplete information from the Veteran's employer.

The Board has remanded the cases of chronic bronchitis and nonallergic rhinitis due to insufficient opinions in the VA examinations regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records, as his current level of allergic rhinitis severity needs assessment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in previous decisions regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition, specifically his treatment with private doctors and over-the-counter medications.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 17, 2010 for the award of a maximum schedular rating of 30 percent for service-connected vasomotor rhinitis. The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis met the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation as of that date.

The Veteran's GERD, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, migraine headaches, back disability, and sleep apnea are all granted. The claims for service connection for migraine headaches, a back disability, and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are being remanded due to incomplete records for some conditions and the need for VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions, considering potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings of various conditions, including tinnitus, OSA, rhinitis, and migraine headaches. Service connection was granted for pancreatic cancer presumptively related to burn pit exposure under the PACT Act.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition, left shoulder condition, left knee condition, and allergic rhinitis. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran with examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.