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

The Veteran's probable plantar dyshidrotic eczema feet (claimed as dermatitis) covers more than 40 percent of his entire body, and the Board has granted a 60% evaluation for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7800.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, onychomycosis, and tinea pedis as these conditions did not begin in service or were caused by herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for seborrheic dermatitis with psychogenic excoriation and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified anxiety disorders. The Board found no link between the conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further review due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in the September 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The Veteran's attorney argues that the SSOC did not provide adequate discussion of the relevant evidence, allowing the Veteran an opportunity to present arguments before the Board.

The Board has found that the AOJ did not substantially comply with prior remand directives and has therefore ordered further development for three issues: a rating of more than 40 percent for low back pain, a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea versicolor, and TDIU. The remanded issues could significantly impact the decision on TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including chloracne. The claim for service connection for pituitary gland dysfunction, to include microadenoma, is remanded due to inadequate etiology opinions.

The Veteran's PFB does not cover at least 20 percent of his body or the exposed affected area and does not require systemic therapy for treatment.,For the period prior to April 22, 2022, the Veteran's scars of the face have been manifested by one painful scar. For the period from April 22, 2022, and thereafter, the Veteran's scars of the face have been manifested by three painful scars.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is presumed to be related to service in Vietnam. Service connection for lumbar and thoracic spine disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, psoriasis, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has found that the RO substantially complied with the October 2021 Board remand directives. Another remand is necessary to ensure a complete and adequate record upon which to decide the Veteran's claims for dermatitis, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis, a back condition, headaches (including migraine), PTSD due to MST, depression, and an initial rating higher than 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD is granted, and he is now eligible for a TDIU effective August 1, 2019. However, the Board denied his request for an earlier effective date for the TDIU.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from July 1, 2007 to September 14, 2009. The Board found that the service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his tinea pedis are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for service connection can be adjudicated. The claims are remanded due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is granted.,A compensable disability rating (10%) is granted for a painful scar in the left Achilles' heel, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a phobia of flying and manifested by intrusive dreams, sleep impairment, and mild memory loss, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various conditions remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea cruris, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis had its onset in service and is not due to herbicide exposure or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits as his total disability is not permanent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU is denied.