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

The claim of service connection for tinea versicolor is reopened. The claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a skin disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective from March 23, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations for GERD and left knee disabilities is remanded due to clear notice deficiencies, lack of VA examinations, and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pseudofolliculitis and a right-hand condition are granted. The claim for diabetes is denied, as the evidence does not support a link to service. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of fusion of the right wrist remains pending due to lack of ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and anxiety due to pending development of the claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for asthma, psoriasiform dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a lack of current diagnoses and insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is entitled to VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to lack of current disability. The case is remanded for further examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee disorder and lower back disorder.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is not rated higher than noncompensable due to the lack of scarring or systemic therapy.

The Board denied service connection for melanoma, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, prostatitis, and eczematoid dermatitis and xerosis as they were not related to service or due to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and psoriasis due to insufficient evidence of verified stressors and potential aggravation by in-service hepatitis. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the claimed stressor, obtain an opinion on the relationship between psoriasis and exposure to CS gas, and address whether psoriasis was caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for further development and evaluation of his shoulder, knee, and eczema disabilities.

The Veteran's gastroenteritis (IBS) is not service-connected as it did not originate in service and there is no evidence of a direct relationship to service.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not service-connected as they were not present during service, and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a connection with service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for tinea pedis and service connection for a skin disability, to include dyshidrotic eczema, are being remanded due to the need for clarification of the diagnosis and determination of whether the service-connected condition is better characterized as dyshidrotic eczema.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hyperacusis of the right ear, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, result in functional impairment that precludes him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to concerns regarding the adequacy of VA medical opinions and the need for further consideration of certain exposures.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 17, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his right ankle disorder, skin disorder (other than ichthyosis vulgaris, tinea versicolor, and onychomycosis), and heart disorder. The issues are related to exposure in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional evaluations and documentation to determine his eligibility for VR&E services, including a change in the vocational rehabilitation employment goal, additional education in pursuit of an M.D., or other appropriate training.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various conditions and exposure basis determinations. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed to determine if new evidence supports reopening of the claims.