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

The Veteran's psoriasis was granted a 50% rating from December 10, 1970 through August 21, 2000. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on severe symptoms and extensive body involvement.

The Veteran's facial scars, residual of acne vulgaris are rated at 30% and her GERD is granted an initial rating of 10%. The facial scars meet the criteria for a 30% evaluation under DC 7800. Her GERD meets the criteria for a 10% evaluation under DC 7346.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hallux valgus, PFB, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding systemic therapy and its impact on the Veteran's PFB rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis due to conflicting evidence and inconsistencies in the claims file, including internal inconsistency regarding the onset of his psoriasis.

The Veteran's melanoderma/eczema is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For hemorrhoids, an increased rating to 20 percent has been granted from January 12, 2011 through January 5, 2018. After this period, the Veteran's condition is already rated at the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7336.,The Veteran's migraines are currently rated at 30 percent and have been granted a higher rating to 50 percent effective from January 12, 2011. After this period, the Veteran is already receiving the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent under Diagnostic Code 8100.,The appeal for increased ratings for melanoderma/eczema and migraines remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for seborrheic dermatitis, thyroid disorder, erectile dysfunction, acquired psychiatric disorder, and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's psoriasis is granted a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and inextricably intertwined issues of TDIU. The Veteran's left shoulder, low back disability, headaches, acne, and alopecia are all being reviewed for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for intervertebral disc disease was denied. Service connection claims for eye condition, hypertension, rhinitis, and allergic dermatitis were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sciatic disorder is dismissed as the condition is already included in the residuals of stroke granted service connection and awarded a 100 percent disability rating.,Service connection for kidney stones is denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition began during active service or was related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 60 percent for incontinence is denied as he is already receiving the highest available rating based on his disability.,Service connection for dermatitis is denied because the Veteran does not have more than 40% of exposed areas affected, and systemic therapy is not required.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for seizures is granted as he meets the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis of a nerve.,Service connection for slurred speech is denied because it does not meet the criteria for a separate disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, pityriasis rosea, tinea of the groin and feet, and stasis dermatitis are all granted service connection. The low back disability is presumed to have been incurred in service due to combat-related injuries. Service connection for the other conditions is based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's reported stressor involving a fellow service member. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's skin condition including dermatomycosis and pseudofolliculitis barbae are granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendon/ankle disability, costochondritis, and cervical spine disability are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied service connection for left hand CMC joint arthritis, back disorder, skin disorder (psoriasis), anxiety disorder, right ankle disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and seizure disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Further examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran’s current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including skin disability (chloracne), hyperhidrosis, fibromyalgia, bilateral knee disability, lumbar spine disability, epistaxis, and eye disability. The AOJ is instructed to complete all requested actions from the August 2018 remand.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of increased ratings for chloracne and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are now pending with the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, and he is also entitled to TDIU. The tinea rashes claim remains pending as the Veteran was not examined for this issue.