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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition, left knee condition, and increased rating for lumbar spine condition due to non-compliance with previous remand orders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for contact dermatitis, tinnitus, patellofemoral syndrome (left knee), and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (low back disability) are partially granted. The claim for increased rating for contact dermatitis is denied. The claim for increased rating for tinnitus prior to August 6, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (low back disability) is dismissed. The claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome, left knee, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (low back disability) are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae and tinea versicolor is granted. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left and right ankle disabilities, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and sinusitis due to new and material evidence. These issues are being remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as a VA examination opinion was inadequate.

The Veteran's asthma and TDIU claims are remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his asthma and whether he is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for type II diabetes mellitus, early-onset peripheral neuropathy, and chloracne or other acneform disease consistent with chloracne due to herbicide exposure. The decision is based on the need for additional development regarding whether the Veteran served within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of PTSD was withdrawn, and his claim for SMC-AA or at housebound rate was denied due to lack of evidence showing he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service skin condition. The Veteran had complaints and diagnoses while in service but did not have ongoing symptoms after separation.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under either the old or new VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for acne, folliculitis barbae and acne keloids nuchae to include scarring of the face, cheeks, neck and scalp (skin condition) was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under DC 7813-7806.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, but no more.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed chloracne, which is presumed to be related to exposure to herbicides during service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current skin conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, acne vulgaris, cervical spine disability, left ankle disability, low back disability, radiculopathy, and obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for PFB, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bilateral Shin Splints, Left Finger Disability, Right Elbow Disability, and Right Shoulder Disability. The decision remains pending on the merits.

The Board has determined that VA examinations and VA addendum opinions are warranted prior to appellate review for the Veteran's skin disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, left knee disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, and left ankle disorder.

The Board denied service connection for a disability of the feet and/or legs, including tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) and residuals of frostbite. The Board also denied service connection for a respiratory/lung disability due to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an epileptic seizure disability and a skin disorder other than his service-connected tinea pedis and onychomycosis due to lack of examination and insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need to verify his military service. The claims will be reconsidered with additional medical evidence.