Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis on a presumptive basis due to exposure in Southwest Asia. Service connection for tinea pedis is denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left foot tinea pedis, psoriasis, and xerosis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made on these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for eczema, left upper extremity keloids, and multiple keloids of the anterior trunk due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The issues include determining whether systemic therapy is required for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a disability rating of 100 percent, effective from January 12, 2018. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae remains at a 30 percent rating and the case is remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent for the service-connected Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), effective from February 16, 2016. The condition affects less than 5% of exposed body areas and does not result in scarring with any characteristics of disfigurement.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied a compensable rating, as the condition did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.,Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left elbow disorder were both denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin condition, including dermatitis, pruritic rash, eczema, and psoriasis. The case is being returned to obtain an updated VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of any current skin conditions.

The Veteran's dental disabilities and dyshidrotic eczema have been granted service connection. The right shoulder disability, right lower extremity disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's skin condition is currently rated at 10 percent, effective November 21, 1981. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent for acne form eruption with epidermal occlusion cyst of the face, chest and back disability is denied. For the low back issue, the case is remanded as the Veteran presented testimony indicating his condition has worsened since the last VA examination. TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's motor tic disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are granted service connection. Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied, as the evidence does not support a link to service. The Veteran's onychomycosis with seborrheic dermatitis is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The claims for service connection for hypertension, right flat foot, left flat foot, lower back disorder, and bilateral knee disorders have been reopened. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been reopened.,However, the claims for service connection for headaches, pseudofolliculitis barbae (also claimed as dermatology), residuals of chicken pox, and pneumonia remain denied.

The appeals for service connection for bilateral hip, bilateral shoulder, eczema, athlete's foot, major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder are dismissed. Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 27, 2014. The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent since June 17, 2019. The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for a skin condition of the hands and remanded the claims for joint pain, sleep apnea, and atopic dermatitis. The Veteran's claim for a skin condition of the hands is not supported by credible evidence.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the appellant's service-connected dermatitis, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the pre- or post-August 2018 skin regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as authorized private dermatologist records. The Veteran will be given an opportunity to report for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after the September 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, and melasma will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to discuss the need for the Veteran's 2014 private treatment records related to his eczema. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and a skin condition other than dermatitis due to insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently under review.