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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s actinic keratosis is related to service. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining additional records and clarifying the examiner's opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and tinea versicolor due to a lack of new and relevant evidence in his February 2019 supplemental claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tinea pedis worsened since the last VA examination, causing significant blistering and bleeding on both feet. The Board finds that an updated VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the condition.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, including tinea pedis and eczema of the elbows and hands, finding no proof of a medically chronic condition during or shortly after service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification of the March 2018 specialist's opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any non-service-connected skin conditions with which the Veteran was diagnosed. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a skin disorder, other than tinea pedis, tinea manum, and poikiloderma of civatte.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss or loss of use other than an upper extremity, and he is not service-connected for a severe burn injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, HIV, psoriasis, and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination in the original decision. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin disorder is related to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents while stationed in Vietnam. The examiner needs to provide a clear opinion on this issue.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, but granted service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety. The skin disorders were not found to be related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, left ankle residuals, tonsillitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and right ear hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not show these conditions were related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's PFB is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's GERD and status post recurrent right inguinal hernia repair are both rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran has been rendered unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities since June 10, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right eye glaucoma.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and psoriasis. The claims were based on direct service connection rather than a presumption or exposure to environmental hazards.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E services due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the threshold requirements of having an employment handicap, despite his master’s degree and over 20 years of experience in healthcare.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a skin condition, including chloracne. The Veteran's current diagnosis of chloracne is related to his active duty service and exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinea pedis with onychomycosis was denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the former or amended regulations.,Service connection for a low back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability were all denied. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosed low back disability, nor did he have evidence of arthritis within one year following discharge from active service.

The Veteran's GERD was denied as not related to service. The Board found the Veteran's skin conditions remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claim for PFB due to a duty to assist error, requiring a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae and posttraumatic stress disorder are granted. Service connection is denied for joint stiffness and muscle pain.