Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his military service, and the claim for this condition is granted.,There is no evidence of a dental disability that warrants compensation. The Veteran’s gum condition does not meet the criteria for VA compensation.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran has a left knee condition, bilateral foot condition, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis related to his military service.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition is related to his military service.,VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran’s sinus conditions (allergic rhinitis and sinusitis) are related to his military service.,No evidence of a preexisting sinus condition prior to service.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, but the claims for left knee disorder and acquired allergies are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis, tuberculosis (not currently present), bilateral hearing loss disability, recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with right heel spur are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a 30 percent rating for the recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution from February 2, 2016, and a separate 10 percent rating for facial asymmetry due to this condition.

Effective date of August 26, 2010 for service connection for allergic rhinitis. Effective date of October 26, 2016 for service connection for headaches. Service connection granted for acne and adjustment disorder with depression effective July 7, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and dermatitis (formerly called folliculitis of the scalp) have been denied as there is no evidence that these conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, denied earlier effective dates for migraine headaches and allergic rhinitis, and denied an increased rating for allergic rhinitis. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to migraine headaches and low back strain was remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disability, bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and gout. The decision found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INADUTRA) with the Navy Reserve need to be verified. Additionally, the Board has found that further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hiatal hernia, GERD, and sinus conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to the conditions claimed, except for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes, dizziness, gastrointestinal disability including irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and allergic rhinitis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis is granted. His claim for tonsillectomy remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances related to topical medications and Attends protective underwear were denied. However, the Veteran was granted a clothing allowance for using a back and abdominal brace due to her umbilical hernia disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for bilateral foot disorders, major depressive disorder, right knee and left knee arthritis, allergic rhinitis, and headaches. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for myopia, tuberculosis, or obstructive sleep apnea as a matter of law due to his diagnosed conditions being congenital in nature. Service connection cannot be granted for skin disorders unless there is evidence of superimposed disease or injury. The Board has also remanded the claims related to major depressive disorder and bilateral knee and right-hand arthritis.