Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for hay fever and a fungus infection of the left foot in January 1963. The veteran's claim to reopen these claims was also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied all service connection claims for various conditions, including eye disorders, respiratory issues, hypertension, skin disorders, and fatigue. The decision did not specify the basis for denial.

The Board found that the veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The chronic respiratory disorders, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, were diagnosed post-service and are not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are being remanded to the RO for further evaluation.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, was incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for allergic rhinitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's generalized joint pain, including left shoulder and wrist pain, is presumed to be due to an undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Gulf War. Service connection for bronchitis, heartburn and flatulence as due to an undiagnosed illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and right submandibular lymph gland swelling with pharyngitis are granted. The veteran's allergic rhinitis is not presumed to be related to his service in the Gulf War.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to unclear determination of the cause of his unemployability and need for further development.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for onychomycosis, service connection for sinusitis, and service connection for allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for further development. The other issues will be decided as is.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of nasal injuries including a deviated septum and nasal blockage, nor does he have chronic rhinitis. The claims are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his service connection claim for allergic rhinitis, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a nose fracture, service connection for allergic rhinitis, low back pain, and residuals of frostbite to his ears. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher initial rating and an earlier effective date for service connection of allergic rhinitis, finding that no evidence existed to support an earlier effective date than January 16, 1990.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis with rhinitis and assigned a noncompensable initial evaluation, which was later increased to 10 percent.