Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral lichen planus and allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted for the period from October 1, 2009 to August 7, 2013 due to dormant lichen planus with residual scarring. From August 7, 2013 onwards, a 30 percent rating was granted for bilateral lichen planus. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it manifested without polyps or significant nasal obstruction.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for vasomotor rhinitis from September 23, 2013 to July 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent starting July 19, 2019 is denied. The case is remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's request for self-employment assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) was granted. The Veteran is service-connected for various disabilities, including bipolar disorder rated at 100 percent disabling, which qualifies him as having the most severe disability. His other conditions also qualify him for Category I VR&E services due to his employment handicap and limitations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was granted. The rating for eczema was denied prior to July 5, 2017 and from July 5, 2017 to April 11, 2019, but a 30 percent rating was granted from April 12, 2019 to May 13, 2019. The Veteran's dermatophytosis with eczema received the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent since May 14, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, esophageal stricture, and dysphagia due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was aggravated by active service.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis worsened during her second period of active service.,The Veteran's sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities is etiologically related to her service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral chondromalacia patella was not aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new development and examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings for sinusitis, rhinitis, and throat disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is rated at a 50% disability rating, the highest possible under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated as noncompensable prior to November 15, 2019 and 30% thereafter. The Veteran's chronic sinusitis has been rated at 10% from August 8, 2008 to November 15, 2019 and 30% thereafter.,The Board is remanding the claims for right elbow disability, right knee disability, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for these conditions are being reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E services due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the threshold requirements of having an employment handicap, and therefore, he is not in need of rehabilitation.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that these conditions had their onset during service.

The Veteran has been rendered unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities since June 10, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss or loss of use other than an upper extremity, blindness in both eyes with limited vision, or a permanent and total disability due to an inhalation injury. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation.