Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for rating purposes, specifically regarding lumbar spine arthritis. The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for allergic rhinitis are denied.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing updated VA examinations.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis and PTSD has been granted.,The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms of allergic rhinitis started in service, outweighing conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, chronic parotitis with stones, status post left parotidectomy, left knee disability, and right knee disability has been reopened. The claims are granted as secondary to bilateral otosclerosis with impaired hearing, post-operative stapedectomies.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to physical and mental impairments, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, wrist disabilities, hand disabilities, hip disabilities, irritable bowel syndrome, and allergic rhinitis have been denied as the evidence does not support a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for upper back disorder, rhinitis, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's thoracic spine spondylosis was diagnosed in service and is not attributable to intercurrent causes. Rhinitis existed prior to service entrance but the Board found clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation by service. Sleep apnea manifested during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,For the period prior to August 8, 2017, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. From August 8, 2017 onwards, he does not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee condition and an initial compensable rating for rhinitis. The Veteran's right knee pain was not related to his military service, and the evidence did not show nasal polyps or significant obstruction of the nasal passages.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for low back disability is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for tuberculosis is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for hepatitis C is granted, but service connection is denied.,Service connection for cramps in thighs and legs is denied.,Service connection for hammertoe of the right foot is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, left hand condition, and right hand condition have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran contends that her uterine fibroids began during service or are related to her service-connected hypothyroidism. The Board requests an addendum opinion on this issue after obtaining relevant records.

The Board denied service connection for a right inguinal hernia due to lack of current diagnosis.,The Veteran's migraines, including migraine variants, were not rated as compensable because there was no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthropathy is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or related to an in-service injury.,Service connection for the low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative lumbosacral spine disease with congenital spinal stenosis, is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's current diagnosis is considered congenital and not related to service.,The Veteran's hallux valgus and degenerative changes in the right metatarsophalangeal joint are denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or related to an in-service injury.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis and acute sinusitis is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic sinus condition, including rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The examiner opined that the Veteran’s symptoms were related to his currently service-connected headache disorder.