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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, so his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are granted. The claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as it had its onset during active service, while the claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a Gulf War illness, left arm neurological condition, initial compensable ratings for left and right knee strains, and initial compensable rating for dermatitis due to additional evidence submitted by VA. The AOJ is instructed to provide supplemental statements of the case as necessary.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, right hallux valgus, left ankle degenerative joint disease, and dermatitis (NOS), render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since December 19, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for a prostate condition and skin condition, both of which were diagnosed decades after discharge. The Veteran's statements regarding the etiology of these conditions are not competent.,The Board also remanded issues related to a lumbar spine disability, coronary artery disease, and psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's request to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The claims for cancer and chronic skin disability (claimed as chloracne) were denied, while the rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his acquired psychiatric condition, hearing loss disability, tinnitus, thoracic/lumbar spine disability, shoulder and knee disabilities, pes planus, eye disabilities, migraine headaches, acid reflux, pseudofolliculitis (PFB), hemorrhoids, pulmonary conditions, including COPD, and Meniere’s disease. The Board has remanded these issues for further action.

The Veteran's acne vulgaris of the face, shoulders, and back is rated at 30 percent, which is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's chronic conjunctivitis with pinguecula is rated at 10 percent, which is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted.,An initial rating of 10 percent for chronic low back strain and an initial rating of 10 percent for left ankle disability (status post left ankle fracture) are both granted, effective April 14, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected OSA is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset during service or is related to service.,A 30 percent rating for bilateral flat feet, but no higher, has been granted since September 1, 2017. The preponderance of the evidence supports this decision.,The Veteran's PFB was increased from a noncompensable rating to a 10 percent rating effective September 1, 2017.

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

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection of acne is well-grounded and grants a rating of 100%.

The Board has remanded four issues for further development: service connection for bilateral foot disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), sleep apnea, and residuals of a cold injury of the hands. The Veteran's active service included time in Korea where he was exposed to cold temperatures.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection of acne is well grounded and grants a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension and cardiomyopathy are granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD.,PTSD is granted with a 100 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

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

The Board has found that the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but further development is needed to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed because he withdrew his claim. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for left hip tendon strain, right hip tendon strain, and low back disability manifested by pain. The remaining issues have been remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination.