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

The Veteran's skin condition is being remanded for further examination and opinion as the previous VA examination did not consider her contentions.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable disability ratings for tinea pedis and onychomycosis of both feet, as well as an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy, are being remanded due to incomplete private medical records. The Board will attempt to obtain these records and then readjudicate the issues.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for the service-connected Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hyperpigmentation in an area exceeding six square inches meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and other specified trauma disorder), and service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient reasoning in the March 2020 decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of heat stroke, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and psoriasis due to outstanding service treatment records. The Veteran was diagnosed with psoriasis while stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and heat stroke during his deployment in Saudi Arabia.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,Service connection for left ankle disability (strain) is denied. The issue has been remanded.

The Board denied a TDIU prior to August 23, 2018 due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions not meeting the criteria for an extraschedular rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for spongiotic dermatitis with a history of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma prior to August 11, 2020, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not require regular aid and attendance from another person, nor did he meet the criteria for being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions, including asthma, stomach issues, bowel adhesions, ulcerative colitis, hernias, and eczema. The claims are being returned to VA for further examination and medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, specifically whether they are related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's chloracne and PTSD with alcohol dependence are granted as service connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorder, is denied. Service connection for a back disability and neck disability is remanded.

The Veteran's lung disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected. The claim for chloracne is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied. Separate ratings for a disfigured right cheek scar, a painful right cheek scar, and right temporomandibular joint dysfunction are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

The Veteran's tinea cruris has not affected at least 20 percent of the exposed skin area or total skin area, and it has not required systemic therapy treatment. Therefore, an initial rating higher than 10 percent for tinea cruris is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and vertigo, but has remanded the cases of neck disability and skin condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, Diverticulosis, and a skin condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between the current condition and service. The Veteran's STRs were silent for complaints or treatment of any ankle conditions.,Service connection was granted for dermatitis, with the examiner noting a 1974 diagnosis of acne continuing to require topical creams.

The Board has received additional evidence and the Veteran's representative has requested that this evidence be reviewed by the AOJ/RO. The Board is therefore remanding these matters to comply with the Veteran’s request.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records from SSA, private physicians, and VA. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.