Allergic rhinitis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there was no evidence of nasal polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction on both sides, which would warrant a 10% rating.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria. The issues of service connection for dizziness and headaches, both secondary to chronic sinusitis, are remanded as they require further development.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, a chronic thoracolumbar spine disability, and a chronic cervical spine disability. The Veteran's symptoms began during his active service and have persisted since.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis based on nasal obstruction was denied. However, the Veteran received a grant of a 10 percent rating for ear pain and discharge.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA opinion regarding whether he has current hypertension related to service.,The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of hypothermia, bilateral lower extremities (BLE hypothermia) is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA examination report regarding whether his symptoms are related to service.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA examination report regarding all of his reported symptoms and their impact on daily life.,The Veteran's service connection claim for chest pain with palpitations is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA opinion regarding whether his current condition is related to service.,The Veteran's service connection claim for left ankle condition is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA examination report regarding all of his reported symptoms and their impact on daily life.,The Veteran's service connection claim for right ankle condition is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA examination report regarding all of his reported symptoms and their impact on daily life.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for tension headaches is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the July 2022 VA examination report regarding all of his reported symptoms and their impact on daily life.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The claims are based on the PACT Act presumption of exposure to toxins.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.

The Veteran's timely VA Form 9 was filed, and the appeal is granted. The July 2019 VA Form 9 is considered timely filed due to good cause shown for not filing earlier.

The Board has remanded the claims for sinusitis, asthma, and rhinitis as there are issues with the medical opinions provided by VA regarding whether these conditions pre-existed service or were aggravated during service.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, GERD, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and plantar fasciitis. The issues of right hip disability and skin disability are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA disability rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no medical evidence showing a nexus between the condition and her military service.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis was also denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran did not have symptoms that meet the criteria for chronic sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to rhinitis and/or sinusitis due to a duty to assist error. The evidence is insufficient to decide these claims without an examination and medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis but denied service connection for allergic rhinitis. The Board found that the Veteran's current sinusitis is related to his active-duty service, while there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis is denied as there is no evidence of nasal polyps, which are required for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for allergic rhinitis. The case will be returned for further development and adjudication.