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

The Veteran's respiratory disorder and skin disorders are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to in-service events or diseases, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's skin condition, including recurrent non-specific dermatitis; recurrent urticaria with no etiology; and unexplained pruritus, is proximately due to service. The Board finds that the Veteran's skin condition began during service and as such is most likely caused by or a result of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's skin disorders, specifically whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities allowed him to qualify for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning August 12, 2010. He also received special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for nephropathy, hypertension, and tinea cruris is denied. The claims for service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, plaque psoriasis, hypogonadism, psoriatic joint pain, and hypertension, all secondary to herbicide exposure. The AOJ is instructed to verify whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his time in Okinawa.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder disability has been reopened, and the Board finds new and material evidence to support reopening. The Veteran's tinea pedis rating is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to November 2016 or in excess of 30 percent prior to February 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, both claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The AOJ must obtain private treatment records from relevant providers and provide a VA medical opinion on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities from August 8, 2011, through May 4, 2014, rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to their potential relationship with in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder. The Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for these conditions due to lack of in-service or post-service medical records indicating such disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee disability is related to service. The current appeal remains pending and will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and onychomycosis affect less than 5 percent of his total body area and do not require any treatment, resulting in a denial of an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have necessitated his reliance on others to attend to his daily personal activities, and the Board has determined that he requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and heart issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia, chloracne, and a heart condition due to environmental contaminants at Fort McClellan (FTMC) and Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA), including herbicide agents. The VA is instructed to schedule examinations and obtain opinions regarding the Veteran's exposure to these conditions and their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction of his tinea versicolor rating from 60 percent to 30 percent, effective January 1, 2019, is being remanded due to improper docketing under the modernized appeals system (AMA). The case should be returned to the AOJ for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) as it was improperly placed in the legacy appeal system.

The Board has identified new evidence that was not previously considered and requires the AOJ to review this evidence before making a decision on your claims.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not result in loss of use of one or both feet, which is a requirement for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The Board denied the claim as there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities resulted in such loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for vertigo and PFB were denied, while the claim for ETD was remanded.,The Veteran's vertigo prior to December 31, 2014 is rated at the maximum allowable under DC 6204 (10 percent), but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient evidence of frequent or severe symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for right ankle tendonitis was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the other issues had their initial ratings denied.