Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2018

The claims for higher ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's PTSD and other service-connected conditions combine to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The appeal for increased disability rating for bilateral pes planus is dismissed. The appeals for dermatitis of the feet prior to May 16, 2014 and from May 16, 2014 are denied. The appeal for service connection for residuals of a stroke is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding the claim was not new and material.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded two issues regarding the Veteran's bilateral great toenail condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and psoriatic arthritis of the cervical spine, hands, feet, elbows, wrists, ankles, and shoulders render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. After considering all evidence, including reasonable doubt, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal seeking service connection for various conditions, including left ankle disorder, nerve condition, joint pain, muscle pain, acid reflux, memory trouble, asthma, sleep apnea (claimed as a sleep disorder), scalp folliculitis (claimed as skin problems), and headaches. The claims were dismissed.

The Board has remanded the cases due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anal fistula and pseudofolliculitis barbae, did not render him unemployable. The non-service-connected conditions of knee problems, diabetes, neuropathy, and back issues were found to be the primary reasons for his inability to work.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand. The claim for accrued benefits is denied because the Veteran had no pending claims at the time of his death. The cause of death (cardiopulmonary arrest due to age, underlying cardiac disease, and coronary artery disease) was not caused by service-connected conditions or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of hypertension. However, it denied the claim as secondary to PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for tinea pedis.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding no direct evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding the claim was not new and material.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, head injury, skin disorder (chloracne), and headaches are remanded due to a lack of VA examinations addressing these issues. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for eczema was denied, while her PTSD was granted with a rating of 30% effective September 3, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding the claim was new and material.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding no direct evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide the veteran's claims for service connection due to her alleged in-service personal assault. The appellant must provide information about her service and any stressor involving a personal assault.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10%, 20%, and 40% since December 15, 2011; September 19, 2015; and August 6, 2017 respectively. The Veteran’s sinus tachycardia is currently rated at 30%. Erectile dysfunction associated with the lumbar spine disability remains under review.,The Board has determined that higher ratings are not warranted for the Veteran's lumbar spine or sinus tachycardia disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding the claim was new and material.