Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which includes a current diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and a history of skin problems during service. The claim is being reconsidered with respect to presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the Veteran's back disability and remanded the pseudofolliculitis claim. The decision is final with respect to these issues.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues related to his claimed conditions.

For the initial rating period from April 1, 2011 to November 26, 2019, a higher initial rating of 10 percent for PFB with alopecia is granted.,For the initial rating period after November 26, 2019, a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PFB with alopecia is denied.,A higher (compensable) initial disability rating for the left hand scar is denied.,An initial non-compensable (0%) disability rating for the healed fracture of the navicular bone in the left foot (left ankle disability) remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential missing VA treatment records and other factors.

The Veteran's disability rating for tinea pedis to include tinea unguium was restored from February 15, 2021. The initial rating of 10 percent remains in place.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a skin disorder (tinea cruris), and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination, requiring further development and an opinion from a dermatologist.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that resulted in current disabilities.

The Veteran's initial rating for eczema with acne is granted at a 60 percent evaluation. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which includes degenerative disc disease (DDD) and degenerative joint disease (DJD), remains rated at 20 percent. A temporary total rating based on convalescence following an August 11, 2009 service-connected lumbar spine laminectomy is granted from February 12, 2019 to April 12, 2019. Special monthly compensation for statutory housebound status is granted from February 12, 2019 to April 12, 2019. A TDIU from October 11, 2010 is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for obtaining outstanding VA treatment records, including those obtained through VA's Choice program and scanned into the Veteran's electronic health record.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and denied a compensable rating for folliculitis. The low back disability is found to be due to active-duty service, while the folliculitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's tinea is rated at 60 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating without visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and TDIU for the period prior to February 21, 2007 due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending as it involves a direct link between his conditions without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased disability ratings in service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae and moderate degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy of the lumbar spine before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work, as well as his need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The Veteran will be required to provide updated employment history and undergo VA examinations to determine these matters.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from November 9, 2021.,Service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, left ankle arthritis, left ankle scar, and eczema was granted on May 27, 2015.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, gastrointestinal disorder, and eczema have been granted service connection. The TDIU is granted for the period from December 15, 2010 to August 10, 2017.

The Board has determined that the VA Regional Office (RO) did not obtain necessary medical examinations to determine if the Veteran has ischemic heart disease and if any skin condition is due to exposure to herbicide agents. The case is being remanded for further examination.