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

The Board has dismissed the appeals as they are related to claims of new and material evidence for various conditions, including bilateral ankle disability, pes planus, tinea cruris, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has restored service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions and denied requests to sever separate evaluations.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea of the left hand and/or feet, as his current conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's skin condition, specifically crural epidermophytosis and dermatitis, is rated at 60 percent effective from November 1, 2013. The rating was granted for the period after September 27, 2012.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for sciatica of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity is denied.,A 30 percent rating for spastic colon syndrome is granted.,Tinea versicolor is rated at a 60 percent disability level.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected acne is being remanded due to the addition of VA medical records after the April 2021 supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to concerns about the adequacy of the most recent VA skin examination. The Veteran and his representative requested an additional examination during an active phase of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis with onychomycosis from March 2003 until November 5, 2007. The issue of an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 5, 2007, for bilateral tinea pedis is also remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for IBS was denied. A subsequent increase to a 30 percent rating effective November 2, 2021, has been granted.,Service connection for tinea pedis and right shoulder condition were both denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence to decide the service connection claim for bilateral hand dermatitis. Further development is needed before a decision can be reached on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the duration of systemic therapy for folliculitis, which is required for a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus II, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left toenail condition, xerosis of forearms, actinic keratosis, demodex folliculitis, chronic otitis externa (left ear pain), and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, but he is entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from September 15, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, Seizure Disorder, Right Knee Condition, Left Knee Condition, and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (including Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Disturbances, and Anxiety). The decision also denied service connection for Psoriasis.,There was no evidence of a direct relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 29, 2007, due to combined service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on the statutory housebound rate from December 30, 2008.

The Veteran's PFB is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for PTSD is denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder), but denied service connection for hypertension, eczema, and a low back disability. The decision is based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for chronic lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder disability, and right knee disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.,The Veteran's tinea pedis was also denied an initial compensable rating as the condition did not meet the criteria for a noncompensable rating under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.