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

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for sleep apnea and COPD with left pleural reaction and bronchial asthma is dismissed. The Veteran's seborrheic eczema remains at a 60 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider all relevant evidence. The Veteran's left foot disabilities are related to service, but not necessarily due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, PFB, left thumb arthritis, and associated surgical scarring were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a neck disability. Service connection was not established for PFB or left thumb arthritis. Ratings for left thumb arthritis prior to September 12, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, were also denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's skin disorder, including psoriasis, may have started in service and is related to her current condition. However, more evidence is needed for a definitive decision.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis, Bell's palsy, psoriasis, eczema, TMJ dysfunction, and anxiety have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year of separation.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities from October 13, 2010, but no earlier. The TDIU is granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service exposure and continuous presence since active duty.,Service connection for chloracne and renal dysfunction is denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction (due to herbicide agent exposure) is denied based on the VA examiner's opinion that age is more likely contributing factor.,Service connection for hepatitis C (due to herbicide agent exposure) is denied based on the VA examiner's opinion that it is not a presumed condition of exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during or related to his military service.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain was rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under current criteria. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the clinical findings and functional limitations reported by the Veteran.,For dermatitis/eczema prior to May 10, 2018, the Veteran's claim was denied as there was no evidence of its onset during service or related to his military service. The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted based on the clinical findings and treatment records provided.,For dermatitis/eczema from May 10, 2018 onwards, the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating was remanded as there were no new or material evidence to reopen his case. The Board found that a 10 percent disability rating is warranted based on the clinical findings and treatment records provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung condition, prostatic hyperplasia, skin rashes, and head acne due to inadequate opinions regarding presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for eczema prior to October 21, 2019 was denied. From October 21, 2019, the claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for eczema was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for dermatomycosis tinea, gastroenteritis, TBI, bilateral pes planus, a left ankle condition, and a left knee disability. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for headaches is also granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied, and an initial 10 percent disability rating for acne is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disability, and acne due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Vietnam. The VA is instructed to schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU due to incomplete development of evidence, including a need for further examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial ratings for sleep apnea, eczema, and migraine headaches have been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The AOJ will review this evidence in the first instance.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for a back disability and tinea versicolor have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's acne with pigmented papules on the neck and face, along with PFB, was rated at 10 percent prior to October 31, 2011. The Board denied a higher rating as there was no evidence of disfigurement or deep acne.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS and acne have been consistently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of severe impairment or symptoms.,The Veteran's cubital tunnel syndrome in both upper extremities has also been consistently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran requests higher ratings.

Service connection granted for tinnitus. Service connection denied for right ear hearing loss, insomnia, left knee disability, right knee disability, acne, and neck disability.,The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any complaints or diagnoses related to the claimed disabilities except for a history of folliculitis (acne) during service.