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

The Veteran's acne with scarring is granted service connection as it was aggravated by service. However, his hemorrhoids are denied service connection due to lack of evidence showing a chronic condition related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report for VA examinations and because he provided good cause. The cases are now being sent back for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of PFB.

The Board has granted service connection for actinic keratoses, pustular dermatosis with rosacea-like features, and eczema as these conditions were caused by the Veteran's in-service exposure to sun and herbicide agents.

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 psoriatic arthritis of the left knee, left elbow, left hand, and right knee. The claim for low back disorder was also denied. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was not granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to insufficient evidence linking his service-connected chronic dermatitis to his death. The Board found that while the Veteran had a history of severe head injuries, his dermatitis did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's pruritic dermatitis is rated at the maximum schedular rate of 60 percent since April 12, 2016. His morphea en coup de sabre is currently rated at the maximum schedular rate of 80 percent and does not meet criteria for an extraschedular rating.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and eczema, as their ratings are currently below what they claim. The Veteran will need to undergo new VA examinations for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) as the evidence did not show a link between current PFB and service.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to damage caused by topical medications used for his service-connected dyshidrotic eczema is granted.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include migraine headaches, a left forehead laceration, tinea pedis of the bilateral feet, gout, sleep apnea, multiple painful joints, allergies, bilateral knee swelling with pain, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a bilateral ankle injury, an upper and lower back disorder, and tinnitus. The claims are remanded for further development including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for further development. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for chronic dermatitis is on appeal, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to hypertension, dermatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and sleep apnea require additional development. The effective dates of these claims will be determined after further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his left shoulder strain, left ankle strain, and dermatitis of the chest and upper back due to incomplete examinations and outstanding SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and fungal dermatitis do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied reopening and service connection for skin disorders, acquired psychiatric disorders, and low back disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorders and their relationship to service, particularly herbicide exposure. The examiner is asked to provide a new opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's tinnitus and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hip disorders, right and left knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, and a lumbar spine disorder (secondary to service-connected pes planus) are remanded.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has not affected more than 20% of his entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy was required. Therefore, the claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent is denied.