Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's dermatitis is granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for several issues, including service connection claims and a rating increase for atopic dermatitis. The Veteran's current ratings remain unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal for eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further clarification of his eczema disability rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his skin disability of the arm and groin is denied.,Prior to July 20, 2018, he was not entitled to a compensable rating for his tension headaches. From July 20, 2018 onwards, he is granted an increased rating of 30 percent for his service-connected tension headaches.

The Veteran's VR&E services request for pursuit of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) is remanded due to the need for further evaluation considering his specific interests and abilities.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of entitlement to an increased evaluation for seborrheic dermatitis has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of this matter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg skin conditions, finding that there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board also found that secondary service connection based on herbicide exposure was not warranted due to lack of a positive association between such exposure and the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis was rated at 30 percent for the period from October 19, 2017 to December 17, 2019 due to the need for systemic therapy including corticosteroids.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis was denied. Service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and relevant evidence was not received to support the claims. The Veteran is also denied a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial PTSD rating in excess of 50 percent was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for folliculitis was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for HTN, ED, and eczema as secondary to DM or exposure to herbicides are remanded. The Veteran's service-connected DM is rated at 20 percent, PN of the left lower extremity prior to January 24, 2020, is rated at 10 percent, and PN of the right lower extremity from January 24, 2020, is rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's CAD is rated at 10 percent prior to January 10, 2019, and from March 1, 2019, to January 23, 2020. His BHL and nephropathy are not compensable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis and hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and evidence collection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder other than onychomycosis and tinea pedis due to insufficient evidence. The case will be reviewed again with an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran had neuroma that began in service or is otherwise related to service, as well as any functional impairment caused by his bilateral foot pain.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) was denied, and the Board found that a TDIU based on a single service-connected disability is not warranted during the period from January 14, 2003 to February 9, 2009.

The Veteran's skin disorder is not considered a part of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and he failed to report for the required VA examination. Therefore, his claim for an additional rating is denied.

The Veteran's employment during the pendency of the appeal prevented a determination on his claim for TDIU prior to January 17, 2018. The Board denied the claim as he failed to provide necessary evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea. The Veteran is seeking a reduction in his disability rating, but the issue of whether his sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his strokes remains unresolved.