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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and a noncompensable rating for service-connected acne. The Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss meets the criteria for a noncompensable rating, while his acne is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor and PTSD are being remanded for further evaluation. The tinea versicolor is rated at 10 percent, while the PTSD has been increased to 50 percent prior to February 2012 but denied for ratings higher than 50 percent before October 29, 2018, and denied for ratings higher than 70 percent after that date.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and increased ratings for various knee and spine disabilities, as well as a compensable rating for dermatitis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, as well as his claim for service connection for chloracne.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the service-connected skin conditions, including tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea unguium. The examiner is required to identify all symptoms and manifestations of the Veteran's chronic dermatitis, discuss the medications used for treatment, determine if they operate by affecting the body as a whole in treating his skin condition, and consider whether there have been side effects.

A 30 percent rating is granted for seborrheic dermatitis for the period from March 6, 1971 to August 29, 2002.,A 30 percent rating is granted for seborrheic dermatitis for the period from August 30, 2002 to March 27, 2014.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including his service-connected psychiatric disorder and left knee disability, as well as his claim for psoriasis. The Veteran is also seeking to reopen a previously denied claim for spondylosis of the lumbar spine. Additionally, he seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for left knee arthroscopy with osteoarthritis is granted. The claim for tinea corporis of the buttocks remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and residuals of asbestos exposure have been granted. The claims for left knee condition, residuals of asbestos exposure, dermatitis, and sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's eczema was rated at 10 percent prior to April 13, 2011 and increased to 10 percent from April 13, 2011 onward. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new Diagnostic Codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development. Specifically, his skin disability is related to his active duty service in the Gulf War region.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae as it has been granted and constitutes a full award of the benefit sought.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder (folliculitis and acne), nasal allergies, and diverticular disorder have been granted. The claim for service connection for nasal allergies has been denied due to lack of in-service disease or injury. The claim for service connection for the diverticular disorder has also been denied as there is no nexus between the current disability and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injuries and current disabilities being related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression due to insufficient medical opinions. The case of service connection for a skin condition (chloracne, rash, allergic/contact dermatitis) is reopened.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition (myocardial infarction) was denied. The initial rating for dermatitis prior to September 19, 2017 was also denied. A rating of 60 percent for dermatitis from September 19, 2017 to November 26, 2019 was granted. However, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for dermatitis thereafter was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis is not rated higher than noncompensable, and the claim for a TDIU was denied as he did not meet the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity venous insufficiency with stasis dermatitis, finding that there is no nexus between his current condition and his in-service burns.