Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened and granted. The rating for GERD remains at 30 percent, but the reduction in rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, asthma, chronic rhinitis, and pharyngitis, finding that there is no evidence in the STRs supporting these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, right ankle disability, and sleep apnea have been reopened. The Board has remanded the cases for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a sinus condition, headache conditions secondary to the sinus condition, and obstructive sleep apnea secondary to the sinus condition. Service connection was denied for left shoulder condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, obstruction of nostrils (distinct from sinus condition), loss of sense of smell, loss of sense of taste, deviated septum, and shin splints.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, a musculoskeletal condition, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and arthritis of the pelvis are remanded due to insufficient VA medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not show that he required A&A or was permanently confined to his home.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hay fever and sleep apnea, finding that a VA examination was not adequately scheduled.,The appellant's lay statements regarding his allergy symptoms during ACDUTRA were considered by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for sinusitis, finding that there is no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between his in-service exposure and any present condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The VA will obtain additional medical records and reschedule examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for deviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea as a residual of deviated septum repair. The right knee disability and residuals of a deviated septum repair are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing an adequate VA examination.,The Veteran is also being considered for a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and migraines as these conditions are not related to his in-service rickettsial infection or herbicide exposure.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's chronic sinus congestion and allergic rhinitis do not warrant a compensable disability rating. The issues of service connection for back disability, GERD, and gastritis are remanded due to inadequate development.