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

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for low back condition is denied. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is granted. A rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for residuals of broken right thumb is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial disability rating have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's scalp scars are rated at 30% based on two characteristics of disfigurement, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7800.,The Veteran’s painful or unstable scars are currently rated at 30%, as there is no evidence of both instability and pain in any scar. The highest possible evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804 remains 30%.,Non-linear scars of the chest, back, shoulders, and bilateral thighs/groin do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.

The Board has added the issue of entitlement to service connection for cold injury residuals to this appeal and has ordered a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of the Veteran’s claimed lower extremity disorders.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor is rated under the current rating criteria, and a remand is ordered to clarify the total body area affected by his service-connected skin disability and determine whether topical corticosteroids affect his body as a whole in treating his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine DJD and eczema dyshidrosis, finding that the evidence did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's residuals of left ring finger fracture and pseudofolliculitis barbae are service connected. However, the Board has found that more evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate examinations and for obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include lumbar spine, left hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, and tinea pedis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin disorder is related to his active service, including herbicide exposure. A VA examination is needed to provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, colitis, sleep apnea, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae/sycosis barbae were reopened due to new evidence. The claims for allergic rhinitis, colitis, and sleep apnea remain denied, while the claims for tinnitus and pseudofolliculitis barbae/sycosis barbae are granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for eczematous dermatitis prurigo nodularis was denied as the evidence did not show systemic manifestations associated with the skin condition.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his 60 percent rating for eczematous dermatitis prurigo nodularis was denied because the increase in disability occurred more than one year prior to the date of claim.,Service connection for a depressive disorder was granted, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the depressive disorder was also granted.,The claims to reopen service connection for cervical spine, low back, and right knee disabilities were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Hypertension, prostate cancer, anemia, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity were all denied as not incurred or aggravated by service or exposure to herbicide agents.

Service connection for undiagnosed joint pain, lumbar spine disorder, left inguinal hernia, and skin disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claims for PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for chronic irritable bowel syndrome and eczema as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a facial skin disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records. The claim for reopening of his previous denial of facial rash is granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection was granted for any of the conditions or issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinea versicolor, malaria, and left ear hearing loss were granted. The right ear hearing loss claim resulted in a non-compensable rating being increased to 20 percent effective from August 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg numbness, right leg numbness, and right knee disorder have been denied.,Service connection has also been granted for tinea cruris.

The claims for service connection for left leg numbness, right leg numbness, and a left knee disorder are denied.,The claim of service connection for tinea cruris is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities was denied as there is no evidence that her conditions render her bedridden or unable to care for herself without assistance.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, left knee disability, and folliculitis were granted effective January 17, 2017.,Claims for higher ratings for tinnitus, left knee disability, and folliculitis remain denied.