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

The Board denied service connection for psoriasis, eczema, and tinea pedis as claimed. The claim of service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure is remanded.,The Veteran's hypertension was not found to be related to his diabetes mellitus or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% disability rating for scars, residuals of acne vulgaris is denied as there was no evidence of worsening prior to the filing of his claim on February 9, 2015.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for internal and external hemorrhoids, dermatitis, and bilateral hearing loss prior to April 24, 2018 have been denied. The Board found the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins of the left leg and right leg was granted.,A compensable rating for a skin disorder (eczema) is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and an initial compensable disability rating for his left eye scar are being remanded due to the failure to schedule appropriate VA examinations as per previous Board directives.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his painful left wrist scar, residual scars of the right knee, and other disabilities are denied. The Board finds that new examinations are needed to determine the current severity of these conditions.,The Veteran’s claims for increased ratings are REMANDED as there is insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of his right wrist, left wrist, back, right knee, left ankle, allergic rhinitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae disabilities.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD prior to October 3, 2016 and since December 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) benefits claim requires additional evidence, including a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation considering his current symptomatology related to service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain this information and associate it with the claims file.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for folliculitis barbae has been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chloracne and has not had one at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.,The Board remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for ischemic heart disease and a skin condition (claimed as dermatitis), noting that there is insufficient evidence to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure to Agent Orange and requesting an examination to determine if his current conditions are related to in-service events or diseases.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and related issues. The case is remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to exposure to environmental toxins during service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, headaches, left knee disability, and left elbow disability. Service connection is also granted on an aggravation basis for acne (preexisting condition) and groin rash. The Veteran's athlete’s foot and eczema claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his skin disorder (claimed as seborrheic dermatitis) was denied in April 2019. The Veteran submitted a supplemental claim in May 2019, which resulted in a 60% rating effective May 14, 2019. However, the Veteran did not file a notice of disagreement with the October 2019 rating decision, so his appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment beginning November 5, 2018. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for high cholesterol has been withdrawn and dismissed.,The claim for an earlier effective date for CAD is denied as the earliest available effective date is October 4, 2011.,Celiac disease was not related to service.,Uncontrollable shaking of the head (benign essential tremors) was not related to service.,Peripheral neuropathy and allergic dermatitis were not related to service or presumed herbicide exposure.,Service connection for allergic dermatitis is denied as there is no evidence of a malignant tumor of the skin.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for atopic dermatitis is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and clarification of treatment details.

The Veteran's acne has worsened since her last VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine the current severity of her disability. The Veteran may be eligible for a higher rating based on systemic therapy if any of her treatments are considered such.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches was reopened, and she is now granted. However, her initial compensable disability rating for her skin condition (psoriasis and eczema) from January 3, 2015 to August 20, 2019, remains denied.

The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine if the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is related to his military service. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination and additional records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his right wrist condition, back injury, ankle condition, knee conditions, and Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding etiology.