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

The Veteran's psoriatic scalp dermatitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae were evaluated, but the Board found that neither condition warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's scars associated with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) are rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7820-7800. The current rating is based on three characteristics of disfigurement without visible or palpable tissue loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for eczema and service connection for a left shoulder disorder were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for eczema, as it covered less than 5% of his total body area and required only topical medication. For the left shoulder disorder, the VA examiner concluded there was no in-service injury or relationship to service.

The Veteran's residuals of cholecystectomy are granted with a 10% rating. The issues of service connection for psoriasis, left great toe joint pain, and chronic low back pain are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's skin condition is rated at the highest available rating (60%) throughout the appeal period, and no higher rating can be granted under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's tinea pedis is currently rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne, xerosis (dry skin), and tinea unguium (onychomycosis) due to herbicide exposure as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronicity of these conditions during the appeal period. The VA examiners found no nexus between the Veteran's current skin conditions and his service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations and considering his symptoms since last evaluated in March 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and a skin disability, claimed as pseudofolliculitis barbae. The decision found no current diagnosis of either condition and that any history of tinnitus or pseudofolliculitis barbae was not related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, and onychomycosis. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has found that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his condition, as it has spread and he has used various corticosteroid creams for treatment.

The Veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as tinea versicolor, was not shown in service and is not causally or etiologically related to service. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PFB was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to September 3, 2014 and a rating in excess of 10 percent since then.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hidradenitis suppurativa and contact dermatitis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to a duty-to-assist error in not searching for records under the Veteran's maiden name.

The Veteran's PFB is rated at 10 percent prior to February 15, 2021 and at 30 percent from that date. The Board found no evidence of the required criteria for a higher rating.

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection of a skin condition is granted. The initial rating for PTSD is granted at 70 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for tinea versicolor prior to September 19, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the pre-August 13, 2018, regulations did not allow for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,For the period since November 27, 2019, the Veteran's claim is remanded to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion regarding whether oral fluconazole operates like a corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive drug.