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

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for PFB prior to November 12, 2020, and his subsequent claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent since that date are both denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) is denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, as they did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae prior to May 19, 2017 was denied. From May 19, 2017, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating for his condition.

The Veteran's eczema is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's chloracne and facial scars are presumed to have been caused by his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. However, the VA examiner needs to address whether the pre-existing scarring on his chin and cheek at his June 1965 pre-induction examination is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and tinea pedis of the toes, finding no evidence that these conditions began during active service or are related to any in-service injury. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not linked to his military service.,Service connection was granted for abdominal adhesions with an initial rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's left ear scar is granted service connection, with the Board finding it at least as likely as not related to military service.,Service connection for a stomach condition is denied. The VA examiner found no chronic stomach disability and opined that any current stomach condition is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected dermatitis remains at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded several issues related to his claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected eczema, and service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome due to inadequate medical evidence. The Veteran is required to cooperate in obtaining the necessary evidence.

The Veteran's sinusitis, headache disability (secondary to sinusitis), and seborrheic dermatitis have been granted service connection. Service connection for myopia has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for seborrheic dermatitis.

The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, hypertension, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), sleep apnea, lumbar spondylosis with disc disease, left thumb condition, right wrist condition, and right shoulder rotator cuff tear have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to service.,The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, hypertension, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), sleep apnea, lumbar spondylosis with disc disease, left thumb condition, right wrist condition, and right shoulder rotator cuff tear have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 17, 2012.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for other specified anxiety disorder with limited symptom attacks and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and nuchae were denied.,Service connection was determined to be direct, meaning no presumption or secondary service connection applied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for PFB was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition affected at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas, nor did he take intermittent systemic or topical therapy.,Both knee issues were remanded due to lack of examination during a flare-up or repetitive use.

The Veteran's eczema (a skin disability) is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's limitation of flexion of the left knee is currently rated at 10 percent, which is also the maximum rating available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for anemia has been dismissed. The claim for a TDIU based on his bilateral feet condition is denied, and the case is remanded for further evaluation of his acquired psychiatric disorder, tinea corporis, right hand disorder, and left hand disorder.

The Veteran's SMC (r)(2) benefits for need of aid and attendance are granted, effective March 31, 2015. The RO failed to apply the correct rate due to a LCR error in applying asbestosis and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's initial rating for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis cervical spine was denied. The Veteran appealed the initial ratings, and an increased rating of 60 percent for psoriasis was granted effective August 1, 2014. An increased rating of 10 percent for psoriatic arthritis of the cervical spine was also granted effective September 16, 2021.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for headaches, hypertension, lower back disability, skin disability (tinea cruris), and TBI. Additional evidence was submitted since the last statement of the case but an SSOC was not issued as required.