Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2010

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis, claimed as a sinus condition, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sinusitis and rhinitis are etiologically related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been rated as noncompensable since July 21, 1992. Effective March 23, 2010, the Veteran's allergic rhinitis is evaluated as 10% disabling.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have diagnosed residuals from his inservice nose fracture or rhinitis, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and stressors.

The Veteran's laryngitis is rated at 30 percent, effective January 12, 2001. His service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his unemployability is due to non-service connected factors.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder, PTSD, and allergic rhinitis were all found to be related to his service. The Veteran was granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected carpal tunnel release, left and right knee degenerative joint disease, sinusitis/rhinitis, and dyspepsia have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of higher disability ratings in any of these cases.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic sinus disorder, which he contends was incurred during his military service. The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current sinus condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sinusitis and rhinitis was denied as there is no current evidence of chronic sinusitis, but the Board granted service connection for chronic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been denied. The right upper arm burn scars, neuropathic pain, chronic reflux laryngitis, and allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis are currently evaluated at the lowest possible ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, degenerative joint disease of the knees, and residuals of yellow fever have all been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his allergies, including allergic sinusitis and rhinitis. The examiner will assess whether the allergies clearly existed prior to service or were incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a Board videoconference hearing.