allergic rhinitis va rating. By: Cory Titus. allergic rhinitis va rating

 
 By: Cory Titusallergic rhinitis va rating  Other inflammatory mediators including histamine, CysLTs, IL 1β and IL-4 found in

I also paid my ENT to perform a CAT scan of my head when I had a massive months long sinus infection and to write their medical opinion of it. A February 2016 VA examination and opinion found that it is less likely than not that the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused by his service-connected sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis, because, if such were the case, the Veteran would experience difficulty falling asleep, not staying asleep; the Veteran asserted to the examiner that falling. Mental Health – For mental health, the minimum rating would change from 0% to 10% with an end to the rule stating a veteran cannot qualify for a 100% rating for a mental health condition if the veteran is able to work. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. After submitting my FDC, someone at VA listed the issue as two conditions: sinus condition and rhinitis. Coughing, sometimes with bloody phlegm. Allergic Rhinitis The Veteran asserts that a higher initial rating is warranted for his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The evaluationof allergicrhinitis is continued as 0 % disabling. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include: Runny, stuffy nose. I filed rhinitis claim and sinusitis but some reason it was 2 separate appointments about 3 weeks apart. The Veteran's preexisting allergic rhinitis increased in severity during active military service and the increase was not clearly and unmistakably due to the natural progression of the condition. Served active duty from 2008-2016 and was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis Caused By Burn Pit Exposure. F. That helps keep the polyps from returning. § 4. 97, the VA rates several different forms of rhinitis as follows: Diagnostic code 6522: Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis. Diagnostic codes 6510-6514 are dedicated to different variations of sinusitis. 6522 Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis: With polyps: 30. 97 – Schedule of Ratings, Respiratory System, Diagnostic Code (DC) 6522. The answer is yes, but it depends on the severity of your symptoms. F. The Increase for Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis took about 5 months, with Sleep Apnea being deferred - the VA granted an increase in Asthma to 60% and an increase in Allergic Rhinitis to 10%. It means you can’t get disability compensation (payments) for this condition. 2. A key phrase throughout VA ratings for sinusitis is “incapacitating episodes. 97, Schedule of ratings-respiratory system under DCs 6510–6514 as appropriate. See 38 C. A medical nexus (i. The veteran also suffers from obstructive sleep apnea. ”. Deferred claims typically occur when a veteran has submitted multiple claims to the VA. . If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert. If you have an illness or other health condition that’s connected to your service as a Gulf War Veteran from 1990 to now, you may be eligible. If a condition is not explicitly listed, VA will rate that condition under the diagnostic code for a condition that it is closest to, or that requires the same treatment. 30% — Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and. 6522 Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis: With polyps: 30 Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side: 10 6523 Bacterial rhinitis: Rhinoscleroma: 50 888. 100% rating: Awarded in cases of “chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or requires tracheostomy”. Yes! You Can Get A 30% Disability Rating For Allergic Rhinitis! Combat Craig. S. Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Sinusitis are separatedly rated conditions under the VA rating schedule. L. VA may obtain additional medical information, including an examination, if necessary, to complete VA's review of the veteran's application. Nor does is cause a fever. During a January 1999 VA nose/sinus exam, the veteran provided a similar account of his allergy condition. The VA Rating System for Allergic Rhinitis. 4. An increased rating is not warranted for the Veteran's service-connected chronic vasomotor rhinitis with nosebleeds, from July 12, 2014, under DC 6522. A 30 percent disability rating is warranted when polyps are present. My husband was just service connected but 0% for allergic rhinitis. Note (2): Examples of treatment may include but are not limited to: Systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents; intravitreal or periocular. Entitlement to an increased rating for allergic rhinitis, currently rated as noncompensable. Mr. Allergic rhinitis can warrant a 30 percent rating, but only if the Veteran suffers from polyps. VA implemented a new internal process for reviewing scientific evidence to support their rulemaking. 878. The VA rates TMD based on limited motion of the TMJ, and the. It is this water in the ear sound I hate and dizziness. It was a presumptive request and they used his deployment location as proof of burn pit exposure. The VA lists symptoms and outcomes that help you determine your potential sinusitis VA rating. There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for Rhinitis: #1: Direct Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis with a rating of 10% or 30%. F. EnvironmentalAd4622 •. Id. 9350. This quick disability claim letter to VA Comp & Pension from my own claim for sinusitis, sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis should help get your claim going. Instead of being seasonal — as is the case with seasonal allergies — symptoms flare up whenever you’re exposed to a trigger. Below is rating criteria for allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis affects 10-30% of children and adults in the United States and other developed countries 1. C. 9350. He found no medical evidence that supported the Veteran's claim of obstructive sleep apnea as being secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis/allergic rhinitis. 120. The PACT Act will bring these changes: Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. Under 38 CFR § 4. Allergic Rhinitis, also called Hay Fever, is an allergic reaction in your nose that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and sore throat. The above determination is based upon consideration of applicable provisions of VA's rating schedule. If you have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, and you experienced something in service that represented the onset of the condition or the cause of the condition, you should file with VA for an allergic rhinitis VA rating. According to 38 C. VA also proposes a 30 percent rating for the presence of polyps, preserving the prior rating criteria. . Under Diagnostic Code 6522, a 10 percent evaluation is assigned for allergic or vasomotor rhinitis without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. Army photo. If both of your nasal passages are 50 percent blocked or one is 100 percent blocked, you will receive a rating of 10. Knowing where to start when. A 10% rating is for veterans without polyps but who still have over 50% obstruction of the nasal cavity. § 4. Yes, asthma is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100% depending upon the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms. F. 1B. ago. 97 – Schedule of Ratings, Respiratory System, Diagnostic Code (DC) 6522. 1. A problem made worse or discovered as a problem while. Medical Documentation: Foundation of Your Claim. Veterans who have scars on the head, face, or neck due to their pseudofolliculitis barbae are rated based on skin loss and how many facial features have been disfigured. When I requested my C-File a few months ago, I noticed that the VA was originally going to rate me at 100% with sleep apnea being service connected to my allergic rhinitis referencing my IMO as the favorable evidence, than five days later they redid the final approval letter and denied the service connection. 4 obese; (2) if so, whether the weight gain or obesity resulting from the service-connected disabilityThe veteran is not entitled to an increased disability rating for allergic rhinitis symptoms during any other time period relevant to the instant appeal. I don't think checking to see if I have them prior to a rating decision is too much to ask. No idea why Anyways, for my rhinitis, she examined visually and reviewed my questionnaire. Be sure to upload the results to via ebenefits so that the VA has the info. This appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) arises from a December 2010 rating decision by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office in St. Home; about us. 27 per month. For example, a veteran may only have a 10% rating for Asthma but could possibly receive a 30% or 60% VA rating (lower rating possible as well) for GERD secondary to Asthma. 401-331-6300. 30. 2. As of August of 2021 these conditions are considered presumptive by the VA if you served in Desert Storm. If you were a U. 50 percent disability rating: $893. 888. 401-331-6300. Two months later I got a 10% rating for allergic rhinitis . 2. at 18. The Veteran is service-connected for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM J30. The_FlatBanana •. If your allergic rhinitis is constant and is severe to the point that you have abnormal growths forming in your tissues, you will get a disability rating of 30 percent. F. The VA has two different percentages it uses to rate allergic rhinitis. In November 2019 and August 2020 opinions, a VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by the service-connected allergic rhinitis with sinusitis. Rhinitis, also called hay fever, is classified by an allergic overreaction of the body to external stimuli. Veteran has along medical history dating back to September 14, 1977 being diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (866) 282-5260. PK !Û¬§Í2 ë [Content_Types]. 97, titled Schedule of Ratings – Respiratory System. 97, DC 6600, a veteran must experience the following levels of pulmonary dysfunction to. Nasal blockage and polyps were determined to be present via physical examination and nasal smear. Call CCK today at 800-544-9144 to schedule a free case review with a member of our team. F. Along with other skin conditions, the VA rates exfoliative dermatitis based on the amount of skin. 2, 2021, VA began processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis based on presumed exposure to particulate matter. Rating for Allergic Rhinitis 38 C. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits for these diseases. 38 C. I gave the results of the endoscopy to the C&P examiner and about a month later I received a 10% rating for Allergic Rhinitis. R. 30 – With. of February 2005 from the Denton County Veterans Service Office indicated that asthma was a direct result of allergic rhinitis. Generally, you will get three tries to do the spirometry test and your scores will be. Later increased to 10% for each. I am rated for deviated septum with allergic rhinitis. Under DC 6522, allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is rated as 10 percent disabling when it is manifested by a greater than 50 percent obstruction of. I was rated 10% for sinusitis and 0% for rhinitis originally. Good luck. 9 - other international versions of ICD-10 J30. • 7 mo. But you may be eligible for other VA benefits. Once you receive your decision letter for your submitted service connected claims, you may see “0%” next to one of the submitted claims for a condition. A 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, from May 14, 2009 to March 27, 2014 is granted, subject to applicable law on VA compensation. Pollutants from a waste incinerator near. There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for Rhinitis: #1: Direct Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitiswith a rating of 10% or 30%. VA Rating: Up to 30%. Ratings under DC 7346 range from 10 to 60 percent. Diagnostic code 6523: Bacterial rhinitis. I am in the same boat as you as far as sleep apnea secondary to asthma. Chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis are the same thing. Allergic rhinitis can warrant a 30 percent rating, but only if the Veteran suffers from polyps. com. Note: We’ve added information about illnesses linked to service in Afghanistan and. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e. This should lead you right to the rating criteria. Our records show that you were scheduled to an exam of this condition at the VA medical Center and you called reporting that you could not report due to job conflict. Army Veteran. Entitlement to a compensable disability evaluation for allergic rhinitis. Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, claimed as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated pursuant to DC 6522. 19 - 4. 6524 Granulomatous rhinitis. R. 97, DC 6522 (2009). If your cancer returns and you resume treatment, you'll be returned to a 100% rating. It's presumptive so you shouldn't have a ton of trouble. Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses the relationship between OSA and Rhinitis and VA disability compensation If you would lik. However, a veteran’s disability rating can increase if the deviated septum creates secondary conditions like sleep apnea. VA uses Diagnostic Code 6018 to rate Chronic Conjunctivitis ranging from 0% to 10%; additionally, Conjunctivitis could fall under the General rating formula for eye diseases. ÐÏ à¡± á> þÿ ƒ þÿÿÿ. Instead of “speech discrimination test,” the VA proposes changing it to “word recognition test,” a more commonly-used term. Nasal polyps should be diagnosed by your doctor, who will use a nasal endoscope, which is a small thin telescope with a camera on the end, to see inside your nose. Individuals with sleep apnea are much more likely to develop chronic sinusitis or rhinitis. Note (1): For the purposes of evaluation under 38 CFR 4. The criteria for assigning an asthma VA rating is as follows: 10% — For this rating, a veteran must show a predicted FEV-1 of 71-80%; an FEV-1/FVC ratio of 71-80%; or a need for intermittent inhalational or oral. Toll Free. VA Benefits Pay Schedule (as of December 2019) for single veterans with no dependents. After seeing an allergy specialist in 1997, the final diagnosis was non-allergic rhinitis because skin allergy testing was non-reactive for pollens and other common allergens. Diagnostic Code 6522 for Rhinitis: This is a sometimes serious allergic response that may flare up when you are exposed to common allergens like pollen or animal dander. 97. We are here to support one another, and help resolve any VA / Veterans related issues. The criteria for a 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis were not met prior to October 13, 2005. At the time, I was a relatively healthy guy in his late twenties. Please note that a 10% rating is the only VA disability rating assigned for a deviated nasal septum, no matter how severe. According to diagnostic code 6522, the VA assigns a 10% rating for allergic or vasomotor rhinitis with no nasal polyps but with a greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or 100% on one side. He was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. CALL US NOW FOR VA CLAIM ASSISTANCE 844-838-1404. I have been complaining to my VA doc and am on daily flonase and claritin which is in my VA record. Allergic rhinitis is a. R. Facial pain or headache. . If you are visiting r/veterans for the first. Even if you don’t have a diagnosis yet, go submit an Intent to File. Not being able to taste. 2. Anybody have a 0% rhinitis rating because the symptoms were not severe at the time of the C&P exam but do but do have symptoms with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side w/ no polyps on a nightly basis when trying to sleep? How can you prove the. The VA isn’t changing the hearing loss ratings at all, but is proposing to update some of the terminology and clarify vague principles already being used. No idea why Anyways, for my rhinitis, she examined visually and reviewed my questionnaire. The examiner provided medical definitions of chronic rhinosinusitis (commonly referred to as rhinitis and sinusitis) and allergic rhinitis, as well as their causes and symptoms. since conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome may be linked to conjunctivitis and can be caused by burn pit exposure. 97 (2013). Here’s the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA… This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each. 97, DC 6522 (2013). The criteria are as follows: 50% – following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness or affected sinus, and purulent. The VA will consider the severity of your arthritis, its effects on your daily life, and any medical treatments you have been prescribed. There are several types of rhinitis. 2, 2021, VA began processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis based on presumed exposure to particulate matter. i have sleep apnea so ill probably connect it as secondary to Allergic rhinitis Rating for Allergic Rhinitis The Veteran contends that his service-connected allergic rhinitis is more severe than currently rated (0 percent, effective May 27, 2009). I recently filed a reconsideration for AR with Polyps when they clearly missed the evidence that shows CT scan and ENT scope with polyps. 97, DC 6522. Citation Nr: 1311472 Decision Date: 04/08/13 Archive Date: 04/19/13 DOCKET NO. The PACT Act is a bill that directly addresses the effects on Veterans and others who served in the military and were exposed to environmental toxins, burn pits, radiation, and Agent Orange. 10 percent disability rating: $142. 38 C. That decision granted entitlement to service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis with an evaluation of 0 percent, effective June 11, 2002. 92. Veterans who served after September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria. 38 C. F. The 2023 compensation rate (an 8. com. Importantly, VA will base the ratings on findings during an asthma attack. The VA Rating System for Allergic Rhinitis In the United States, the Veterans Affairs (VA) rating for allergic rhinitis ranges between 0% and 30% ( see this example of a winning case ). A thorough history, physical examination and allergen skin. R. This matter came before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a June 2011 rating decision of the Nashville, Tennessee, Regional Office (RO) which denied service connection for allergic rhinitis claimed as sinusitis with infections. The ratings range from 0% to 100%, based on the condition and the severity of symptoms. 1. Asthma Rhinitis, and Sinusitis (or Rhinosinusitis, which is inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses). Increased Ratings - General The Veteran asserts that his service-connected allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are more severe than the current noncompensable ratings assigned reflect. Veterans can submit a claim for service. Typically, acid reflux is rated analogously to a hiatal hernia under 38 CFR § 4. For allergic rhinitis, this is usually either a 10% or 30% rating. He was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and given antibiotics. The November 1997 Board decision, which denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for allergic rhinitis, is final. The Respiratory System Ratings. Nicholson, 19 Vet. 1. Assuming your claim for allergic rhinitis is approved by VA, you will be given a percentage disability rating to represent the severity of your condition. Read this page to learn more. Find out what benefits you qualify for with a 0% disability rating and if. For example, if you have infrequent headaches due to your sinusitis, you may be rated at 0%, while if you have frequent severe migraines, you may be rated at 50%. The disability rating for HPV is the aggregate of the ratings for the symptoms (residuals) of HPV. com. C&P was scheduled in early December which I attended. This is the ultimate guide for veterans searching for VA secondary conditions to PTSD!. VSO recommended not filing the OSA until after the claim was done. 5 daily meds for sinusitis, nasal polyposis, and rhinitis. ago. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. Hello all, As part of submitting my claim for Allergic Rhinitis/Sinusitis, I have been reading a lot of BVA decisions. R. Allergic Rhinitis. 2. The bill was signed into law on August 10, 2022, after it was passed by Congress on August 2, 2022. 40 percent disability rating: $627. Wtf do I do now?. 30 percent disability rating: $435. 2 for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive basis based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas — if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service. Rhinitis—Diagnostic Code 6522. Military veterans can develop sinusitis from. 97, DC 6522. A 10% rating is for veterans without polyps but who still have over 50% obstruction of the nasal cavity. , depending on the particular findings, and combine in accordance with § 4. Before you dive into the application process, gather all pertinent medical documentation. Another commenter inquired whether claims for allergic rhinitis would warrant a VA examination to determine if this condition was in fact “chronic rhinitis” and therefore eligible for presumptive service connection. Actually the sleep study was not completed until my claim was already 9 months. Thus, there is evidence of a current disability and. 401-421-3185. ago. I’d call that easy. 17a - 4. 103, (2005). It is important to consider that, even a 20% rating increase, which at 30% VA disability rating is. The most common are acute rhinitis, which is usually caused by a viral illness, allergic or. VA Announces 3 New Presumptive Conditions Connected to Burn Pit Exposure. Results: The five respiratory conditions with the highest prevalence per 100,000 veterans across both Gulf War deployed and Gulf War Era non-deployed veterans (respectively) were: allergic rhinitis (8,400 and 8,041), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4,763 and 4,795), asthma (4,685 and 4,477), chronic airway obstruction (3,983 and 4,059. 38 C. How Does VA Rate Allergic Rhinitis? VA rates allergic rhinitis under 38 CFR § 4. R. Phone. Signs and symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis might include: Pus-like drainage with crusts from your nose, stuffiness, sinus infections and nosebleeds. I was. Air Force Veteran. This evening I went to check my claim status and noted it has closed, so I checked the disabilities tab. #2: Secondary Service Connection for Sinusitis with a. The veteran's allergic rhinitis was not characterized by polyps prior to October 13, 2005. Also, not all rhinitis is allergic. (1994) Allergic Rhinitis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. Sinusitis & Rhinitis. Nasal blockage and polyps were determined to be present via physical examination and nasal smear. It is a subject of considerable debate, as a 50% rated Vet qualifies. I also had the same ENT fill out a DBQ for me. Don't rely on the examiner to do it. In a January 2016 VA medical opinion report, the reviewing VA physician indicated that he reviewed the entire electronic claims file, including the Veteran's lay. I am SC for allergic rhinitis (max rating, with polyps, -10% for pre-existing condition) and also have a very long documented history of sinusitis while on active duty and have had periodic flare ups annually ever since. Mine certainly were as I got out in 1992 and was diagnosed in 1996. R. No abnormal findings were reported on this exam with regard to his allergy condition; the pertinent diagnosis was allergic rhinitis, in remission. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. Allergic Rhinitis VA Disability Ratings. The August 2015 VA examiner also opined that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis/sinusitis was not aggravated beyond the natural progression of the condition. Asthma is a bronchial disorder most commonly rated under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 6602, Asthma, Bronchial. The average compensation for. I’ll bring it up to my VA doctor. 38 C. 878. DOI: 10. Rhinitis and sinusitis were recently added as presumptive conditions for veterans with #burnpitexposure and #particulatematter under the #pactact. 6522 Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis: With polyps: 30 Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one. A sense of pressure over the forehead and face. That doctor confirmed neuropathy in his legs, but told him they thought the hands were related to carpal-tunnel syndrome. Most types of rhinitis are caused by an inflammation and are associated with symptoms in the eyes, ears, or throat. SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-0960N-4, SEP 2016, Page 1 21-0960N-4 WHICH WILL NOT BE USED. 69 per month. Therefore, the veteran would need to show either 50% or 100% nasal passage obstruction before the VA can assign a 10% disability rating. This can lead to symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. Under Diagnostic Code 6522 [allergic or vasomotor rhinitis], a 30 percent disability rating is warranted for allergic or vasomotor rhinitis with polyps. 150, which includes the rating criteria for all dental and oral conditions. The rating decision of July 3, 2013, granted service connection for lumbar spondylolysis L5-S1 with a 10% disability rating. 114, Schedule of Ratings for the Digestive System. R. 97, diagnostic code 6602. Spinweber, the Veteran's sleep apnea diagnosis is noted. The following criteria are used by our department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to rate respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis: Rhinitis that has polyps (growths) is given a 30% rating. We have a separate post on general eye conditions here! 0% Rating for Conjunctivitis: the 0 percent rating is a rating that doesn’t have any money given to it. 60. 118, or the Schedule of Ratings for the Skin. 22 - 4. 31. 4 In the Asia-Pacific region, allergic rhinitis affects approximately 9% of the population, against 14% in the United States and 7% in latin America. This means an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service caused you to develop Sinusitis. Under this provision, allergic or vasomotor rhinitis with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, without polyps, warrants a 10 percent. GRANULOMATOUS RHINITIS LARYNGEAL STENOSIS. F. Service connection for Allergic rhinitis (also claimed as allergies) Share. Introduction. There are two percentages: 30% – Rhinitis is consistent, and there are certain growths in the tissues; 10% – No growth, but at least 50% of passages on both sides or 100% on one nasal passage blocked; What’s Next? Effective August 5, 2021, 38 CFR 3. ÐÏ à¡± á> þÿ ƒ þÿÿÿ. Additionally, exposure to environmental allergies, such as pollens, animals, dust mites, and mold could also worsen a person’s condition. Rhinitis and sinusitis are two common respiratory conditions that can make people feel like they have a cold. The process concluded that particulate matter pollution is associated with chronic asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis for Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. Id. A. VA Disability Ratings for Rhinitis. 155 6.