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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for fracture residuals of the right third metatarsal and pseudofolliculitis barbae are remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations assessing current disability levels.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are granted as service-connected.,Bilateral pes planus, bilateral valgus deformity, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral subtalar joint dislocation are all granted as secondary to the now-service-connected bilateral pes planus. ,Degenerative joint disease of the feet is also granted as service-connected.,Pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral achilles tendon disability is being remanded as there was no current diagnosis at his last examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a stomach disability is being remanded due to lack of current diagnosis and possible secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a blackout disability is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination results.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims that are also being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss, unspecified anxiety disorder, and pseudofolliculitis barbae disabilities is being remanded.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for eczematous-type lesions is being remanded due to incomplete development of the claim.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for higher disability ratings for herpes simplex and dyshidrotic eczema prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected folliculitis and back scar were found to not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations, resulting in denial of both claims.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for diabetes type II with tinea cruris is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right-hand burn residuals, as well as their impact on his occupational and daily functioning. The claims are not about service connection but rather about rating determinations.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for hidradenitis suppurativa with residual scarring, finding that the Veteran's condition met a rating of 30 percent based on total affected area less than 929 square centimeters.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluations for right foot hallux valgus and left foot hallux valgus were denied. An initial evaluation of 10 percent was granted for headaches, but the Veteran's dermatitis claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus (diabetes), and folliculitis as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash is granted, and the issue of service connection for sinusitis is remanded.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from March 8, 2017. The rating for tinea versicolor prior to August 13, 2018 remains denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for irritable bowel syndrome, tinea pedis, TBI, dementia, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, respiratory ailment/breathing problems, periodontal condition, and hearing loss. The AOJ is instructed to request development from JSRRC to corroborate the Veteran's reports of deployment with the 602nd Tactical Air Control Center Squadron in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the claims for tuberculosis, left ankle disability, cervical spine disability, and chronic cysts (including tinea versicolor) due to new evidence received after the November 2017 SOC.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cardiac arrhythmia was reopened, but claims for other conditions were denied. Service connection for right elbow disorder, left ankle disorder, and insomnia were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for his low back disorder, but the claims for left knee and right ankle disorders have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, a psychiatric disorder (specifically PTSD), and sleep apnea due to potential service connection based on new evidence. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is not compensable as it does not affect at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy is required.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical clarification and examination. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded because of conflicting evidence regarding his reported stressors. His hypertension, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and GERD claims are also remanded as there are insufficient post-service records or medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for stasis dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's condition had its onset during his active duty in Vietnam and is not related to his service-connected diabetes.