Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2021

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and tinnitus.,The Veteran's headaches, PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis and left shoulder osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to April 12, 2018, or a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter for his left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lumbar disc disease, right leg nerve damage, chronic rhinitis, brain disease due to trauma, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) have been dismissed due to failure to comply with the appropriate claims processing rules regarding perfection of a Board appeal.,The Veteran did not file timely notices of disagreement or VA Form 10182s for these claims within one year of receiving notification letters from the RO, which required him to do so under the old and modernized appeals systems.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current migraines began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance has also been denied due to lack of evidence showing he is so helpless as to require regular aid and assistance from another person.,The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate prior to September 14, 2020, remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but denied the claim for Allergic Rhinitis due to lack of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding the etiology of the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a failure to obtain all VA and private medical records, including those from 1973 onwards. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for various conditions and claims of secondary service connection. The decision also notes that there are outstanding VA treatment records which need to be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal of the reduction in his allergic rhinitis rating has been resolved, and he is now rated at 10 percent. The Board has ordered a remand to consider additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's rhinitis and sinusitis have been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions since separation from active duty in October 2010.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right foot plantar fascitis, left foot plantar fascitis, sciatica, rhinitis, sinusitis, and headaches as the evidence does not support a current disability.,The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, osteoarthritis of the right and left ankles, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis (now claimed as sinus breathing) has been granted. The claims for GERD, hepatitis C, hypertension, schizophrenia, basal cell carcinoma, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and right shoulder disability remain denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, status post septoplasty, is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's sinus headaches are remanded for further evaluation. TDIU is granted beginning April 6, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for migraines, as they are claimed to be secondary to service-connected sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and/or generalized anxiety disorder and persistent depressive disorder. The Veteran's representative provided additional medical literature which must be considered by the examiner on remand.