Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2010

The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis and sinusitis have been granted service connection, with a temporary noncompensable rating for the left thumb disability prior to June 26, 2008 and from September 1, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for rhinitis and a scrotal disability, finding current diagnoses and continuity of symptomatology. Initial ratings have not been assigned as the evidence does not meet criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were incurred during his active military service, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis has been granted, but no compensable evaluation is assigned as the nasal obstruction does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed rhinitis and/or sinusitis, hepatitis C, and missing VA treatment records.

The Board found that the reduction of ratings for allergic rhinitis and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were proper, but denied the severance of service connection for hemorrhoids due to lack of evidence of aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for short-term memory loss, sinusitis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (Generalized anxiety disorder) have been denied. However, her claim for allergic rhinitis has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not caused more than a noncompensable degree of disability, and thus his claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated nasal septum status post corrective surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis with intermittent allergic bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the appellant's failure to appear for VA examinations and requests for an examination outside of the U.S. The claims will be adjudicated again after these issues are resolved.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis has been productive of five non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis in the preceding 12 month period, characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The Veteran does not have nasal polyps. As such, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess current functional impairment due to these conditions.