Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for allergic rhinitis and hypertension is denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma is granted an initial 60 percent rating, effective November 29, 2002. Hay fever remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including rhinitis, smell disturbance, taste disturbance, asbestosis, headaches, and liver disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right wrist disability, back condition, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and skin disorder (including dermatitis and urticaria) due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted a 50% rating, and his allergic rhinitis with deviated septum remains at a 10% rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability require the aid and attendance of another person for daily activities, including protection from hazards, dressing, undressing, keeping clean, and attending to personal needs. Special monthly compensation on account of need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis/sinusitis is granted prior to November 13, 2017. A compensable rating beginning November 13, 2017, for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic allergies, sinusitis/rhinitis, and hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran's chronic allergies preexisted his military service and were not aggravated by it. The Board also determined that hypertension was not caused or aggravated by the claimed chronic allergies.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder due to exposure to burn pits in Southwest Asia.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to increased ratings and service connection, as the Veteran withdrew her claims for these matters.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his degenerative disc disease, C3-7 with prosthetic replacement of discs at C3/4 and C6/7, the Veteran needs a new examination to determine the severity of his condition from January 1, 2005 to April 22, 2008 and from August 1, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an upper respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, as well as COPD. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded this case due to insufficient medical records related to the Veteran's cause of death. The appellant is seeking service connection for the cause of her husband’s death, which was attributed to immunosuppressive medications taken post-transplant.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, depression, and other disabilities due to outstanding evidence and further medical evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sinusitis and denied it, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. The Veteran's hearing loss was also found not to warrant a compensable rating.