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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne, finding that there is no current diagnosis of chloracne and that it did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of his presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran was already service connected for acne vulgaris, cystica, and eczema.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, bronchitis, dermatitis, and cellulitis due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claims for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and an increased rating for left ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disability and remanded the issues of bilateral breast condition and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The case is now pending with instructions to obtain VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for examinations, and readjudicate the appeal.

Service connection for a bleeding prostate is denied.,Service connection for trouble swallowing is denied.,Service connection for chloracne or skin rash (dermatitis) is denied.,Service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy is denied.,An initial rating for left knee disability in excess of 10% is denied.,PTSD rating prior to August 28, 2015, and 70% thereafter (but no higher) is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a skin condition, finding that the current diagnosis of tinea cruris is not related to service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PFB. The Veteran was granted service connection for GI disorders and his chronic joint pain, including as secondary to service-connected right knee and/or as part of an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness due to environmental exposures during the Gulf War. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acne is granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and review, including a heart disorder claim and a skin disorder claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Parkinson's disease, and orthopedic conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance have been met.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his skin rash and PTSD diagnoses. The AOJ should also consider whether he is entitled to TDIU based on impairment attributable to his service-connected disorders.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's hand disability. The first issue is about a compensable initial rating for atopic dermatitis of both hands, and the second is about service connection for additional disability of both hands, including neurological impairment, due to the service-connected skin disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and his disabilities alone do not result in occupational impairment sufficient to warrant an extraschedular referral.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board denied service connection for cardiac arrest, hypoxemia, and anemia as these conditions are not related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and rating increases need to be remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for muscle aches and joint pain (claimed as joint pain, muscular pain, loss of memory, dizziness, rash, fatigue, and shortness of breath) is denied. The Veteran's right knee patellar tendonitis, status post ACL repair, has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The Veteran's lumbar paravertebral myositis and muscle spam with early degenerative changes from L3 to S1 requires further evaluation.

The Veteran's tinea pedis was granted service connection as it is considered a direct result of his military service, with the condition being related to psoriasis he had during service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and a VA examination. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has not affected more than 5% of his total body or exposed areas, and does not require systemic therapy. The Board denied a higher rating as the condition does not meet criteria for a 30% rating under DC 7806.

The Veteran's skin disability, including squamous cell carcinoma, is remanded for further examination and clarification of the nature and etiology of his condition. His exposure to toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances in service is also being verified.