8 VA Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis might seem like a minor issue—but for many veterans, it can lead to more serious health problems over time.

Chronic inflammation, airway obstruction, and immune system stress caused by allergic rhinitis can contribute to secondary conditions like asthma, migraines, sinusitis, and even sleep apnea.

The VA may award additional disability compensation and benefits for these related conditions if they’re properly diagnosed, documented, and connected to your service-connected allergic rhinitis.

In this post, we’ll explain 8 VA secondary conditions linked to allergic rhinitis, how the VA rates them, and what medical evidence you need to support and strengthen your claim.

Key Takeaways

• Veterans may qualify for VA disability compensation for conditions that occur or worsen secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis. 

• Common conditions that may be considered secondary to allergic rhinitis include sleep apnea, sinusitis, asthma, migraines, GERD, and depression. 

• A strong nexus letter is often crucial in establishing service connection between allergic rhinitis and secondary conditions. 

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to substances called “airborne allergens” that trigger allergy symptoms.  

Common airborne allergens include: 

• Pollen 

• Other environmental substances 

• Dust mites 

• Pet dander 

Exposure causes your body to release histamine, inflaming your nasal passages. Veterans who served in the desert or polluted environments, such as the Middle East, may develop allergic rhinitis from exposure to dust, sand, burn pit smoke, and chemical pollutants, which can worsen or cause chronic respiratory issues, including asthma. 

Did you know? Under the PACT Act, if you served in certain areas and developed chronic rhinitis during or within 10 years after service, you may qualify for presumptive service connection.  

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of allergic rhinitis include: 

• Runny or stuffy nose 

• Sneezing 

• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat 

• Watery, red, or swollen eyes 

• Fatigue (due to poor sleep) 

• Sore or scratchy throat 

• Frequent headaches 

• Dry, itchy skin) 

• Hives 

These symptoms can worsen over time, leading to more severe, secondary conditions that may affect your daily life and ability to work. 

8 Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can worsen existing conditions or cause new ones.  

Veterans with service-connected allergic rhinitis may qualify for additional benefits for these secondary conditions when supported by medical evidence: 

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when inflammation and allergic reactions affect the eyes, often causing severe redness, itching, and swelling.  

It commonly coexists with allergic rhinitis and can significantly reduce comfort and visual clarity, especially during allergy seasons. 

2. Asthma

Asthma becomes more challenging to manage in individuals with allergic rhinitis, often resulting in persistent breathing problems.  

Allergens that trigger rhinitis can also inflame the lower airways, which exacerbates asthma symptoms and increases the likelihood of asthma attacks. 

3. Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder may develop or worsen in individuals with chronic allergy symptoms, as those symptoms disrupt sleep, impact mood and energy levels, and create ongoing psychological stress.  

A 2024 study found that living with long-term, uncontrolled allergies significantly increases the risk of depression. 

4. Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition triggered or worsened by allergic responses in the body, including those caused by allergic rhinitis.  

When the immune system overreacts to allergens, inflammation can flare up existing eczema or lead to new outbreaks. 

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis frequently develops as a complication of chronic allergic rhinitis due to prolonged nasal congestion and mucus buildup.  

When the nasal passages are blocked, bacteria can grow in a favorable environment, increasing the risk of sinus infections. 

6. Gastrointestinal Reflux Disorder (GERD)

GERD is more likely to occur in individuals with allergic rhinitis, particularly when asthma is also present.  

Nasal inflammation and breathing issues can increase abdominal pressure and affect esophageal function, contributing to acid reflux. 

7. Migraine Headaches

Migraines are more common in individuals with allergic rhinitis due to nasal congestion, inflammation, and trigeminal nerve irritation, which plays a central role in headache development. 

The release of histamines during allergic reactions can further trigger or intensify migraine symptoms. 

8. Sleep Apnea

Allergic rhinitis often worsens sleep apnea, as nasal obstruction forces mouth breathing and disrupts normal sleep patterns.  

Although rhinitis doesn’t directly cause sleep apnea, it significantly contributes to poor sleep quality and can worsen existing apnea. 

See related: How to Get a Nexus Letter for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Allergic Rhinitis

How the VA Rates Allergic Rhinitis Secondary Conditions

The full VA rating criteria for each condition are available under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities for each of the following categories: 

Note: These secondary conditions can contribute significantly to your combined VA disability rating. Filing for VA secondary conditions for rhinitis may maximize your overall VA compensation and provide greater access to VA benefits. 

Proving Secondary Service Connection

To qualify for VA benefits, you must show that your secondary condition was caused or worsened by your service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The following can help you prove VA service connection which is needed to win your VA disability claim:

• A current primary service connection for allergic rhinitis 

• A current medical diagnosis of your VA-ratable secondary condition performed by a qualified healthcare provider  

• Documentation of supportive evidence, such as in your medical and/or personnel records, is reviewed by your provider.  

• A medical nexus (link) showing documented evidence that your allergic rhinitis caused or worsened your secondary condition (e.g., a Nexus Letter) 

How a Nexus Letter Can Help You Prove Service Connection

While the VA does not require a nexus letter, it is highly recommended to help prove secondary service connection. 

A nexus letter for a secondary condition with a high probative value can strengthen the validity of your VA claim.  

Unless there is a definitive connection between allergic rhinitis and a secondary condition, a nexus letter is often needed to prove secondary service connection.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered the most common veteran questions about allergic rhinitis and secondary conditions below. 

Which conditions commonly occur secondary to allergic rhinitis?

Secondary conditions include sleep apnea, sinusitis, asthma, migraines, depression, allergic conjunctivitis, GERD, and eczema. 

How can I calculate my combined VA rating with secondary conditions?

Telemedica’s free VA Disability Calculator can quickly and easily help you calculate your total combined VA disability rating. 

How do I prove a secondary condition to allergic rhinitis?

Medical evidence, and a strong Nexus Letter from a licensed healthcare provider are crucial in establishing the connection between your primary service-connected allergic rhinitis and your secondary condition. 

Can allergic rhinitis be service connected?

Yes. If your allergic rhinitis was diagnosed during or within the allotted period after your military service or you can show exposure to environmental irritants while in the military, it may be considered service-connected, qualifying you for a VA disability rating. 

How does the VA rate allergic rhinitis?

According to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, allergic rhinitis is rated at either 10% or 30%.  

A 10% VA rating is assigned for greater than 50% obstruction of both nasal passages or complete obstruction of one side without polyps. A 30% rating is granted if nasal polyps are present. 

Is allergic rhinitis considered a presumptive disability?

No. Allergic rhinitis is not considered presumptive, but if you develop long-term (i.e., chronic) rhinitis from your allergies, you may qualify for a presumptive disability. 

See More: The Complete PACT Act Presumptive Conditions List 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?  

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!  

Schedule your FREE 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.