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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for atopic dermatitis, left tennis elbow, and left eye condition (condition of the cornea) were granted with effective dates prior to October 18, 2012.,Service connection was denied for fibromyalgia, low back pain, arthritis also claimed as joint pain (cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, bilateral knee and bilateral ankles), and respiratory problems and asthma.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and character of discharge. The main issue is whether the Veteran’s bad conduct discharge for his second period of service from August 2, 1989 to October 12, 1994 constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's rating for atopic eczema with seborrheic dermatitis was reduced from 60 percent to noncompensable effective November 1, 2015. The reduction was upheld as the condition improved and no longer met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's dry skin, scars, and dermatitis claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded as the issues involve reopened claims.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a psychiatric disability, characterized as major depressive disorder, is denied.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a skin disability, characterized as acne keloidalis, is denied.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness (MUCMI) claimed as essential tremor is granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a ratable disability involving either ear.,Service connection for tinnitus is also denied because the evidence does not support its onset during or within one year after his military service.

The claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation has been reopened, but the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,The claims for bilateral hand and foot disorders are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities.,Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied due to lack of diagnosed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for compensable rating for eczema, service connection for a left knee disability, and service connection for a right knee disability due to the appellant's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for sinus problems is granted. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for a skin disability, other than tinea versicolor; sleep apnea; and chronic sinusitis due to lack of nexus evidence.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a rating in excess of 30 percent for tinea versicolor on the shoulder, upper back, and chest, a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative joint disease, status post ACL reconstruction with hardware, and an initial compensable rating for left knee scar are now pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's tinea cruris, including whether it requires systemic therapy.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vaginal psoriasis, as secondary to her service-connected vaginitis, and for an initial compensable rating for her service-connected vaginitis. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ due to her service-connected vaginitis is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and the need for an updated rating based on the amended criteria.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet prior to October 26, 2016 were denied. Beginning October 26, 2016, his evaluations were increased to 40 percent.,Service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability is remanded.

The Veteran's folliculitis is granted an 80 percent rating, and his painful scars are granted a 20 percent rating. The left acromioclavicular separation remains at 20 percent. A TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as Acne keloid nuchae (AKN), was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral foot plantar warts with contact dermatitis are rated as noncompensable due to the lack of more than topical therapy affecting at least 5% of the entire body or exposed areas.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease (previously heart condition).