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

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at the maximum 50 percent disability rating, which is considered severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at 90 percent disabling since September 23, 2012. The Board has granted restoration of disability ratings for migraines, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, as well as TDIU from September 23, 2012 to September 22, 2013.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as service connected. The stomach condition, vertigo, and diabetes mellitus claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and related conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The effective date will be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than June 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, right shoulder, bilateral hip arthritis, and dermatitis conditions due to inadequate etiological opinions in the current file. The VA is directed to seek Social Security Administration (SSA) records and obtain new medical opinions regarding the onset and progression of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected psoriasis is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's callus formations of the right and left feet were denied increased ratings. An initial evaluation of 10 percent was granted for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including service connection for sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, hearing loss, psoriatic arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), psoriasis and eczema, hepatitis C, colitis, celiac disease, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 1, 2000. The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is the primary issue in these claims.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for eczema of the hands was denied as his condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on affected areas or systemic treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for hypertension, migraine headaches (secondary to chronic sinusitis), and bilateral foot tinea pedis require additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and missing records.

The Board found that a rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea is not warranted and remanded the issues related to left knee strain, unspecified depressive disorder, shin splints, maxillary sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and tinea corporis. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, as COPD and other conditions were ruled out. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran’s heart disability to his service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for psoriasis is granted, with an effective date of May 29, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for seborrheic dermatitis and lichen simplex, finding that the conditions did not manifest in service or are otherwise unrelated to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected eczema is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of the extent and treatment of his condition.

The Board dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings for various conditions as the appellant requested withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, an eye disability, and tinea pedis are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her service connection claims for various hand, elbow, forearm, and wrist disabilities. The Board will schedule a VA Gulf War examination to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed bilateral elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand pain.