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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he has continued to work throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of a headache disability, and the right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for hypertension was denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,A rating of 60 percent for service-connected residuals of prostate cancer from October 19, 2015 to July 18, 2016 was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, and insomnia. The claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis (claimed as extremely dry skin-rash on legs), seborrheic keratosis, pigmented-lower back (claimed as cancer in my back) were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied due to lack of current disability. The Board found no new and material evidence, thus denying the reopening of this claim. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's claimed disabilities and his service, specifically due to environmental exposures. The appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tinea unguium has not met the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations, and therefore his claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his disabilities, particularly those related to service. The claims are being returned to the RO for additional examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for recurrent staph infections, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between his current condition and active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,His chloracne behind the ears, presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, is also granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been granted service connection. The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of vitamin D deficiency, sleep apnea, kidney condition, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the underlying claims of a bilateral foot disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae are remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection has not been granted for a lumbar spine disability or headaches.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and right foot disability were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,Memory loss is considered a symptom of the service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety, so it does not warrant separate service connection.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the service-connected skin disability, effective from December 4, 2012. The condition affects at least 20 to 40 percent of the entire body area and requires treatment with topical moisturizers, antibiotics, antifungal creams, and systemic corticosteroids for less than six weeks.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for acne of the shoulders and chest. The case is remanded to determine service connection for postoperative coronary artery bypass graft surgery, including coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims and subsequent submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for psoriasis and sinusitis has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran needs to be examined for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as a sleep disorder.,Service connection is remanded for the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities and sleep disorder.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, left ankle condition, left foot condition, jaw condition, and skin disorder (to include psoriasis and tinea pedis) as the evidence did not support a finding of a qualifying chronic disability under 38 U.S.C. § 1117 or 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Board also denied service connection for hypertension, stating that there was no objective evidence of a qualifying chronic disability and the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, bilateral shin splints, a right shoulder condition, a back condition, sinus conditions, sleep apnea, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Veteran's right ear otitis media has resolved with no discernable symptoms. The claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, onychomycosis, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder and PTSD), service connection for headaches, and a 10 percent rating based on multiple, noncompensable, service-connected disabilities are all remanded.