Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether topical medications used by the Veteran are systemic therapy, which could affect his rating for athlete's foot and toenail fungus.

The Veteran's painful scars resulting from pseudofolliculitis barbae are rated at 30 percent effective May 4, 2021. The rating for residuals of pseudofolliculitis barbae scars remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted due to the condition affecting less than 20 percent of his total body area and exposed areas.

The Veteran's service-connected dyshidrotic eczema has been manifested by no more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period or any 12-month period during the appeal period, and characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of the entire body affected. Therefore, a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA treatment records, relevant SSA records, and a need for an examination. The issues are inextricably intertwined with TDIU.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands both issues for further development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for dry skin of the hands is remanded due to inadequate examination and medical opinions.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for various skin conditions are remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for scars other than a lip scar is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, abdominal strain, and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been granted service connection as their onset or aggravation is linked to active military service.,Service connection has also been established for the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral pes planus, abdominal strain, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including VA treatment records and examinations relevant to his conditions. The AOJ will issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's combined 100 percent schedular rating means that the issue of entitlement to a TDIU is moot, as his service-connected conditions render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's eczema is granted as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis.,Additional VA examination and opinion are needed for the Veteran's headaches, gastrointestinal disorder (constipation), and fatigue claims.,VA records should be updated on remand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his employment was not marginal and he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed all remaining claims that were not granted following a remand, including service connection for hypertension and various knee conditions, as well as ratings for GERD/gastritis.

The Board has granted service connection for a left elbow disability and remanded the issues of service connection for post-operative residuals of abdominal surgery, other than residual scarring, and rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of acne scarring of the head, neck, and face.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PFB and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the current diagnoses of these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including as due to his service-connected tuberculosis. The Board found that there was no direct evidence linking the psoriasis to service or to his service-connected tuberculosis.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection as the Veteran requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's skin disorders of chloracne, keratosis pilaris, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are found to have been aggravated by service. The conditions were present during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for folliculitis, tonsillectomy residuals, an undiagnosed illness, and Grave's disease due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations.