Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2000

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found no competent evidence linking the veteran's current upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and rhinitis, to service. The claim is not well-grounded.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disability and high cholesterol, but remanded the issue of the veteran's entitlement to an increased rating for chronic rhinitis. The RO conducted a VA medical examination in July 1999 and later reduced the rating for chronic rhinitis from 10 percent to 0 percent without considering the requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.344. The Board restored the 10 percent rating for chronic rhinitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic hoarseness and laryngitis, and allergic rhinitis. The veteran was not granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and assigned a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board finds that the veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia is well-grounded. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and an eye disability are not well-grounded.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracic spine disorder and ratings in excess of the current 20 percent for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, as well as sinusitis/allergic rhinitis. The veteran's conditions are currently rated based on their severity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis with allergic rhinitis warrants a 10% evaluation, but his right foot disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of tinnitus and a higher evaluation for maxillary sinusitis. The case has been remanded due to the need for an additional hearing before the Board.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and an increased rating for hypertension. The case of the evaluation to be assigned for upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to acute gastritis is being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for Graves' disease and sinusitis with rhinitis, finding that her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic sinusitis/allergic rhinitis was granted, and his claims for service connection for residuals of neck and back injury as well as a left knee condition were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's skin condition, stomach problems, migraine headaches, dysthymic disorder, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The joint pain is considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness as per the Persian Gulf War criteria. Residuals of a hysterectomy are also considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation and chronic back strain, result in his inability to care for himself without regular assistance. The Board finds that he is eligible for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allergic rhinitis/sinusitis had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. Service connection for a respiratory disorder (including sinusitis, rhinitis, and hay fever) is denied as there is no competent medical evidence of current disability.