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

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone has prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU effective December 7, 2010.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for service-connected bilateral lower extremity neurodermatitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not result in marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalizations.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for reduced cognitive function, sleep apnea claimed as sleep disturbance, skin disorder (other than eczematous dermatitis), and major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder NOS.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, low back disability, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and allergic dermatitis as part of his increased rating claims. Additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of his migraines and bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized arthritis is denied. Service connection for Achilles tendonitis is granted. The claims for seborrheic dermatitis and essential tremors are remanded.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is requesting service connection for tinea pedis and residuals of filariasis due to wucheria bancrofti infection on an accrued benefits basis. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran is granted a higher rating for SMC under section 1114(o) and awarded two separate ratings of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's fingernail discoloration is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness, manifested by symptoms of sleep disturbance, weight loss, and fatigue (originally claimed as sleep apnea), is granted.

The Veteran's neurodermatitis is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.,Chloracne was not present in service or within the first post-service year and has not been present during the claim period. The Board denies service connection for chloracne.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an additional VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's use of Ketoconazole shampoo constitutes systemic therapy, which could affect his disability rating.

The Veteran's PFB is not currently service-connected and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine and right knee disabilities, as well as service connection for psoriasis secondary to her major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including PTSD and several musculoskeletal issues, are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) for loss of use of both legs and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities other than those indicating that he has loss of use of both legs.,The Veteran is also granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).,However, the Veteran's entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) remains pending as it requires a higher level of care which has not been determined.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeal. The appeals for service connection for GERD, IBS, tinea corporis (skin condition), fibromyalgia, a neurological condition (dizziness), tuberculosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are all remanded.

The Veteran has withdrawn all claims on appeal, including those related to joint pains, bilateral hearing loss disability, TBI residuals, psoriasis, and other conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals as the Veteran's attorney requested withdrawal of all issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral tinea unguium pedis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it affects less than 20% of his total body area and no exposed areas. The condition is treated with topical medications.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, including psoriasis, as the evidence did not support direct or secondary service connection. The VA opinions found no link between the Veteran's skin condition and his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and dermatitis substantially confined him to his house, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of CAD, as well as TDIU due to the need for additional medical records.