Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the cases of increased evaluations for rhinitis and sinusitis due to incomplete consideration of VA clinical records from at least January 2019, and an addendum to the February 2020 DBQ is needed.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted due to her service-connected headache disability, and SMC is granted based on the combination of her total disability rating for headaches with additional disabilities rated at least 60 percent disabling. The left ankle and sinusitis claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all listed conditions have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis since July 28, 2022. The issue of service connection for allergic rhinitis is dismissed.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's duty status during her Air Force Reserve service and obtain all pertinent medical records. The claims for allergic rhinitis, avitaminosis (secondary to IBS), dermoid cyst, bilateral hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome, left tympanoplasty, a back disability, and migraines are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a left knee condition has been remanded. Service connection for tinnitus and sinusitis is granted based on presumptive exposure under the PACT Act. The Veteran's claim for rhinitis was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition. Service connection for OSA, secondary to PTSD, and bilateral plantar fasciitis, secondary to service-connected PTSD, are both granted.,The Veteran's left knee condition remains unresolved due to the remand. Service connection for tinnitus is established based on presumptive exposure under the PACT Act. Sinusitis is also established as a result of presumed exposure during Gulf War service. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rhinitis, thus his claim is denied. OSA and bilateral plantar fasciitis are both granted secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is caused by or resulted from his service-connected sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The issues of compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for deviated septum are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss has been dismissed as the Regional Office granted it.,There is no current disability of left ear hearing loss for VA purposes based on the audiometric evaluations.

The Veteran's initial claim for allergic rhinitis was granted, but the Board denied an initial compensable evaluation prior to December 4, 2017 and a rating in excess of 10 percent from that date.,Service connection claims for low back and right knee disabilities were remanded due to lack of examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine DJD and IVDS, as well as right lower extremity radiculopathy, have been fully granted. As such, these issues are dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for allergic rhinitis due to Gulf War exposures.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and his military service or herbicide exposure. The Veteran's lay statements were not considered competent medical evidence in this case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for constipation is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic sinusitis is denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, while the allergic rhinitis remains at a 10 percent rating throughout the claim period.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, migraine headaches, left shoulder disability, back disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury. The appeal is also remanded for VA examinations to address the severity of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of sense of smell, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis are granted. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.