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

The Board denied service connection for a skin condition, claimed as blisters, finding that the current diagnoses are not related to service or exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective August 6, 2014 for dermatitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and a TDIU is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, low back disability, right elbow scar, tinea pedis with tinea cruris, and duodenal ulcer. However, due to additional development needed, these claims are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin conditions, including Pityrosporum folliculitis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and dermatofibromas, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to incomplete records, including those from Social Security Administration (SSA). The VA must obtain these records and readjudicate the cases.

The Veteran's tinea cruris with atopic eczematoid dermatitis has required constant or near constant systemic therapy over the entire appeal period, warranting a 60 percent disability rating. The claim for an increased rating of residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, a digestive disorder, and dermatitis due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was found to affect less than 5 percent of his entire body prior to September 4, 2020 and more than 5 but less than 20 percent thereafter. The Board denied a compensable rating prior to September 4, 2020 and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, respiratory condition, residual scar from excision of benign growth, bilateral eye disability (blurred vision), right foot disorder, and dermatitis. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a psychiatric disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete examinations and lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.,Additional development is needed for the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability. The Board finds that an opinion regarding whether the Veteran was disciplined as a result of a fight while in-service and sent to the brig for 45 days as a result is necessary, as well as obtaining all relevant VA and private treatment records.,The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete examinations and lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions. The issue of TDIU must be deferred until after the outcome of the claims for service connection.,The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and housebound benefits. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the claims for service connection.,The Board has remanded the claim for SMC and TDIU. These derivative claims must be deferred until after the outcome of the claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stomach rash, also claimed as nummular dermatitis, is not service-connected due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient evidence linking his condition to military service.

The Board denied service connection for a neck condition and cold injury residuals of the hands and feet, finding no evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to service. The Veteran's claim for bilateral SNHL was remanded.,Service connection is not granted for a neck condition due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment, and there is insufficient evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining treatment records and providing examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is reopened, but the issues of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.