Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disability, including allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinosinusitis, pre-existed service but was aggravated by military service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of exposure to anhydrous ammonia, labyrinthitis, or bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis related to his active duty service. The headaches are rated at 50%.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal. The RO previously denied claims of service connection for epididymitis, rhinitis, osteoarthritis of the cervical, dorsal, and lumbar spine, and sinus condition on final basis. New evidence received since previous denials is not sufficient to reopen these claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis was denied. The VA determined that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating, as there were no findings of nasal polyps on examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for allergic rhinitis, otitis media, and residuals of a tonsillectomy as there was no evidence to support ratings in excess of 10 percent under either the old or new rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disorder, and deviated nasal septum and rhinitis. The veteran's chronic headaches are not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of current sinusitis and concluded that the veteran's symptoms are due to a nonservice-connected allergic rhinitis. Therefore, service connection for sinusitis was denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee, and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee (status post arthroscopic surgery) do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since October 1, 1992. The evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of this level.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis as there was no evidence of chronic allergic rhinitis during service and the current diagnosis is sinusitis, which has already been established.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her allergic rhinitis, status post septorhinoplasty, as it does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear examination reports and a need to review the claims file.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis with headaches, finding that her current condition was not incurred or aggravated during her military service.