Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected sino-rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not show more than six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with resultant neuroma and left ganglion cyst disability is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and assigned a 10 percent disability rating, effective October 18, 1996. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and sinusitis have been shown to meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation, as evidenced by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of symptoms such as headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, and lumbar strain were all granted with effective dates of June 9, 2002. The Veteran was awarded a noncompensable evaluation for his service-connected eye disability. His initial compensable evaluation for lumbar strain was assigned on May 19, 2003.

The Veteran's combined evaluation for service-connected disabilities is 80 percent from June 20, 2000 to June 10, 2004, and 90 percent from June 11, 2004. The criteria for assignment of an increased combined evaluation are not met.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. He is able to ambulate independently for short distances, is generally independent in self-care, is apparently able to feed himself, and is able to leave his house at his own discretion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic allergic rhinitis is attributable to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and service connection were denied. The conditions claimed, including hemorrhoids, parotid calculus and lump on the left cheek, skin condition of the hands, bronchitis, laryngitis, frostbite of the feet and hands, otitis media, compression neuropathy of the left side, bilateral knee pain and fluid, allergic reaction to a typhoid shot (chronic rhinitis), and exposure to ethylene and nitrous oxide gases were not found to be service-connected or warrant higher initial evaluations.

The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could support service connection for the Veteran's claimed sinus disorder and low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened, and he is now entitled to a 10 percent rating for his service-connected sinusitis with allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains at the 20 percent level prior to August 7, 2007, but any increase in severity after that date would require further evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, PTSD, IBS, sinusitis, and chronic allergic rhinitis. The Veteran was not granted any disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been evaluated, and the appeal is denied as there are no new or material issues to reopen. The current evaluations for each condition remain unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the etiology of her claimed respiratory and sinus conditions as related to exposures in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and low back disability. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty.