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

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, including on the bilateral lower extremities, is being remanded due to incomplete examination results and need for updated medical records.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis, finding that her condition did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) as there is no evidence that the Veteran's condition affects at least five percent of his entire body or exposed areas, and it does not require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 11, 2015, for service connection of right ankle and right knee disabilities. The appeals for bilateral pes planus, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), low back disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), skin disorder other than PFB, right ankle disability, and right knee disability are pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his lumbar spine disorder and radiculopathy of the lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 1, 2015. As such, TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to his in-service exposures.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder is dismissed. Service connection for PTSD, skin disorder (tinea versicolor), headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for perianal hydradenitis (claimed as cystic acne on buttocks) is denied because there is no current disability.

The Board has denied service connection for chloracne, arms and hands.,The Board also denied service connection for solar keratosis (claimed as skin rash), face and arms.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, chronic sinusitis, and low back disorder. Service connection was also denied for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that there may be outstanding medical records from Fort Dix that could substantiate his claims.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder, as evidenced by recent medical literature. Further development is needed to determine if this relationship exists.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and other mental health conditions related to service. The Board finds a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to in-service stressors.,The Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders are likely related to his military service, as evidenced by documented symptoms during service. VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran has a history of acne on his face while in service. A VA examination is needed to assess whether his current pseudofolliculitis barbae condition may be related to his military service.,

The Board has denied service connection for a left foot disorder as it is not proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability. The skin disorder claim remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), a lower back condition, right and left knee conditions, right foot frostbite, left foot frostbite, right hand frostbite, left hand frostbite, tinea versicolor with tinea pedis, and status-post fracture of the left fourth finger with osteoarthritis. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and low back strain, but has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral wrist disability, nasal disability, and initial compensable rating for hypertension. The Veteran's dermatitis case is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and TDIU prior to November 17, 2020. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's GERD to his military service and concluded that he did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the treatment of the Veteran's eczema, specifically whether the use of Lamisil constitutes systemic therapy.

The Board has denied service connection for chloracne and remanded the issues of PTSD rating, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's service connection for chloracne has been granted, making the issue moot and dismissed.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for dermatitis with eczema, finding that the Veteran's skin condition affects at least five percent but less than twenty percent of his entire body. The decision is based on direct service connection and not due to a presumption or exposure.