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

The Board denied a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the condition did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC at the L level.

The Veteran's eczema was rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus, dermatitis of the face, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted service connection. Service connection for a left ankle condition has not been established. The initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is rated as 60 percent disabling from April 11, 2013. The Board has denied a higher rating for the period prior to that date.,The Veteran's PTSD is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records and need for an updated examination.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, COPD, basal cell carcinoma on the left cheek, and chloracne. The claims were based on direct service connection without any presumption of service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for shaving problems, molluscum contagiosum, and a bilateral foot disability were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for dermatitis and tinea pedis, both of which had their onset during his military service.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis was granted as the Veteran has been diagnosed with this condition since 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back acne and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for colonic dysplasia with polyps are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board dismissed all requests to reopen service connection claims for various conditions due to the Veteran's representative withdrawing the appeal in August 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, acne (including scarring), and tinnitus due to new evidence indicating worsening of symptoms since the last examination. The effective dates for service connection are also being remanded as VA treatment records may be missing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach and skin disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete development. The VA will provide additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, taking into account the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during his deployment in Iraq.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to in-service herbicide agent exposure.,TDIU from February 18, 2018 is granted based on his PTSD and peptic ulcer preventing him from securing gainful employment.,SMC at the housebound rate from April 15, 2021 is granted as he has a single service-connected disability rated at 70% (PTSD) and an additional disability rated at 60% (peptic ulcer).,An earlier effective date of February 25, 2013 for the grant of a 30% rating for dermatitis is granted as his symptoms worsened prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, authorization of non-VA treatment records, and a more contemporaneous examination for his fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorders, specifically his contention that they are related to herbicide exposure and a fire on board the USS Oriskany.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis (PFB), bilateral plantar fascitis, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the relationship between his current skin conditions and obstructive sleep apnea with his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae prior to May 15, 2018 was denied. A 10 percent disability rating is granted effective from May 15, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral foot fungus disability is granted as the persistent observable symptoms since service are considered to be related to his in-service exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatitis to include tinea cruris and onychomycosis, but denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's use of hydrophilic cream did not cause an increased rate of damage to his outer garments, and thus he is denied a third clothing allowance for 2017.