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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ulcerative colitis and depression, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for ES TDIU.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 14, 2008 for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disability and an acne disability, but granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder.,Service connection was not established for the right elbow disability due to lack of in-service injury or diagnosis. The acne disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of pre-existing condition prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since November 27, 2013. The Board granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus is dismissed.,Service connection is granted for a lower-gastrointestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome).,Service connection is denied for sleep issues and disturbances (insomnia/dyssomnia, sleep apnea).,Service connection is denied for acne.,Service connection is denied for keloid scars.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for atopic dermatitis due to new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck disability and remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for acne keloidalis involving the back of the scalp.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist condition was denied, and the appeal is dismissed.,Service connection for a back condition has been reopened due to new evidence. The Board found that the Veteran’s back condition was aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.,Service connection for psoriasis has been granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his right knee disability and psychiatric conditions.,The claim for service connection for arthritis (secondary to right knee disability) is remanded. The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the arthritis is a progression of the service-connected right knee condition.,Service connection for a psychiatric condition (depression) has been granted as it is at least as likely as not aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his right knee disability and psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations to assess the current severity of his left knee degenerative arthritis and right knee with instability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, and to determine if extraschedular consideration is warranted. The AOJ should also obtain up-to-date VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM2) is granted as it is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for chloracne is denied as there is no evidence of its occurrence during service or due to herbicide exposure. The claim for peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM2 is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for chloracne remains denied as there is no evidence of its occurrence during service or due to herbicide exposure. The claim for peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM2 is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and psoriasis. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar sprain and strain is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and further examination is needed to determine if any of his conditions are related to in-service events.

The Board denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent for PFB and denied a request for an earlier effective date. The Veteran's PFB affects less than 20% of his body and exposed skin, with intermittent topical treatment but no systemic therapy required.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for back condition, cervical condition, eczema, bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for PFB is being remanded due to incomplete development. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner regarding whether the medications used to control his service-connected skin disorder constitute systematic therapy like a corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive drug.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional records, including SSA and Vet Center treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disorder, including tinea barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The decision is due to the inability to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder is granted. The claims for left hand and right hand disorders, lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, and left leg disorders are all denied.