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

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, miliaria (chloracne), thyroid condition, heart condition, bilateral foot condition, abnormal toenail condition, and abnormal skin growth. The decision also noted that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim was not addressed as it pertained to an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's skin and back disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and heart condition due to potential issues with the medical opinions provided. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for a skin disability as his current folliculitis does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under 38 U.S.C. § 1117.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea corporis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant such a rating and remanded the case to obtain VA treatment records from VAMC Long Beach and to provide the Veteran with an examination to determine if his hypertension is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for umbilical hernia, headaches, upper airway resistance syndrome, and tinea versicolor are remanded due to inadequate examinations and need for updated medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disability rating for herniation of cervical spine should be restored to 30 percent, effective December 31, 2016. The ratings for myositis of right hip with exostosis of right ilium and pseudofolliculitis barbae are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is also remanded.

The claim for service connection for skin rash other than PFB is reopened, and the claims for left knee disorder and increased rating for PFB are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, have rendered him unemployable and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, sarcoidosis, a digestive disorder (diverticulosis), and dermatitis have all been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year after discharge.,Service connection cannot be granted because the medical evidence does not establish that any of these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae condition has not resulted in disfigurement of the head, face, or neck with visible or palpable tissue loss, gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features, or four or more characteristics of disfigurement. The disability does not encompass more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected and does not require constant or near-constant systemic therapy.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his service-connected conditions, including the severity of his skin condition and whether any dental disability is related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, was not shown during service or within one year of separation. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against a finding that this condition is related to service.,Hypertension was not shown in service and did not manifest within one year after discharge. The Board also finds the preponderance of evidence against a finding that hypertension is related to service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected PFB was denied, and his issues regarding left testicle hydrocele and SMC were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for agent fees based on past due benefits granted in the November 2016 rating decision is granted, as valid notices of disagreement were filed and a fee agreement was signed.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are remanded due to the passage of time and allegations of worsening conditions. Further, new VA examinations are needed as the current evidence is insufficient.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran is also requested to provide releases for any private treatment records related to his esophageal condition, dry skin, and diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to ensure due process and a complete record for the Veteran's claims of service connection for contact dermatitis and neuropsychiatric condition, including anxiety, as secondary to contact dermatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatitis but denied service connection for chloracne.