Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the claims for tinea pedis, prostate cancer, and PTSD due to inadequate reasons and bases in the denial of these claims. The Veteran's contentions regarding his exposure during service are not considered by the VA examiners.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are rated as noncompensable, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected PFB is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for a determination on whether it is related to his military service or secondary to PTSD. His respiratory and skin disorders are also remanded, with the need for an addendum opinion regarding their onset in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to asbestos exposure and herbicide exposure have been denied. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a pulmonary disorder due to asbestos exposure, while other claims are stayed pending further action.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as incurred in service.,The Veteran's PTSD is granted as related to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's facial seborrheic dermatitis is rated at 10 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the old or new criteria.,The Veteran's left wrist chronic sprain is rated at 10 percent due to painful motion. The examination did not show ankylosis or other conditions warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating issues have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw her appeal regarding scoliosis and whether the disability rating assigned for GERD was clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The remaining issues, including those related to eczema, cervical strain/cervical radiculopathy, migraines, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, right foot plantar fasciitis/residuals of bunionectomy, and other conditions, are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence of record. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received, allowing the claim to be reopened. However, further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active duty service. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, with the presumption that it was caused by herbicide agent exposure during active duty at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.,The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide agents exposure is granted based on his credible lay statements and military personnel records indicating significant contact with the air base perimeter.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete examination and new evidence. The Veteran's skin conditions are being reviewed again by a different VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § § 1151 for Staph due to VA treatment is denied.,Service connection for a bilateral hip disability, left ankle disability, right eye cataracts, and OSA are all denied.,A rating higher than 10 percent for PB is denied, as the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for such a rating under the current regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a right knee disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied because the evidence does not support an in-service onset or relationship to service.,PFB is denied as there is no current diagnosis and no credible lay or medical evidence of its existence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's tinea pedis with onychomycosis, specifically whether his use of topical medications constitutes systemic therapy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's use of topical creams and their effect on his body as a whole, and whether the total body area affected by his service-connected bilateral tinea pedis is less than 5%, from at least 5% but less than 20%, or more than 40%.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for dermatitis and severe reaction to vaccines. The appeal of service connection for a back disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and reopened the previously denied claims of bilateral hearing loss disability and chronic skin disorder. The issues related to increased ratings for right elbow, cervical spine, right elbow scar, and neck scar are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling updated VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions will be evaluated to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin condition, tinea versicolor, which began during service and continued after discharge, is related to her military service. The evidence does not clearly show aggravation of this pre-existing condition in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left hand contractures are related to his service, including an in-service explosion and burns.