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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development related to his right shoulder disability, hypertension, and low back disability. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and an effective date prior to April 14, 2014 for the grant of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae are also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal seeking increases in the 'staged' ratings for tinea versicolor, lumbosacral strain, and right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), claimed as ingrown hair bumps and skin irritation, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address the question of etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases due to failure to obtain all relevant medical records and for additional etiological opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for left hand and right hand conditions, but granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae. The case is remanded for further examination regarding hypertension.

The Veteran's skin condition was denied an initial compensable disability rating prior to May 3, 2018 and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent from October 2, 2018. The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 60 percent for the period from May 3, 2018 to October 1, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective January 2, 2017. The Board denied an earlier effective date due to lack of formal or informal claims prior to March 24, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a hernia disorder has been denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) remains denied, as it does not meet the criteria for a 30% rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied.,The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension were remanded due to lack of verification of herbicide exposure. The compensation claim for hemorrhoids is also remanded.,The Veteran's hypertension claim remains pending as the herbicide exposure has not been verified, but if confirmed, it would be related to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's hemorrhoid claim was remanded with instructions to determine whether his August 2011 and December 2012 colonoscopies aggravated his pre-existing hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's PTSD, acne, back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and gastrointestinal disorder are all remanded for further examination and opinion. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for further development or clarification of evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae has been remanded.,Diabetes Mellitus continues to be rated at 20 percent, with no higher rating possible under the current criteria.

The Board has found that the VA examination is not in substantial compliance with the November 2017 remand directives and requires a new VA opinion to address the Veteran's skin disorder claim, including as due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for arthralgia of the right and left shoulders, as well as his low back disorder, are remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicide agents and determine if any of the claimed conditions are related to such exposure. The issues will be reviewed again after this verification.

The claims to reopen the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including right ankle arthritis, back disability, bilateral lower extremity pain and swelling, left foot drop/abnormal gait, cervical spine/neck disability, residuals of a tibia fracture, right ear hearing loss, allergic condition, asthma, dermatitis (swelling of the groin area), and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) are granted. Service connection is established for these conditions based on their direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service connected, and his foot condition including tinea pedis is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's skin disability, specifically whether it is related to his service-connected conditions or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is at least 70%, meeting the threshold for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable as he was able to maintain part-time employment prior to his voluntary resignation.