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

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for acne prior to October 14, 2022 was denied as the evidence did not show deep acne affecting more than 40 percent of her face and neck.,The Veteran's claim for a higher than 10 percent rating for acne from October 14, 2022 was also denied as there was no evidence that it affected 40 percent or more of her face and neck.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis and related psoriatic arthritis of various joints has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's psoriasis started during service and continued to present, establishing a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for skin cancer has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a finding that he had chloracne during his period of active service.,Service connection is denied for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board finds remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for chloracne was denied, and the Board granted a noncompensable rating.,The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities from August 10, 2022 through March 13, 2023 was granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, and the claims for nodular eczema at the left thigh, bunion disorder on the left foot, muscle cramps in the left lower extremity, asthma, and right ear fluid were all denied. The rating of 10% for the scar on the left thigh is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatophytosis of the left and right long toes, finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted in a November 2019 Board decision. The current appeal is about the appropriate rating for this condition, which has been rated as noncompensable since July 5, 2017. The case is being remanded to allow for an adequate VA examination and consideration of the amended criteria for rating skin disabilities.

The Veteran's skin disability is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service, including any in-service treatment. The issue of direct service connection is also considered.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and eczematous dermatitis on his lower extremities have been granted service connection. The Veteran also received a non-compensable rating for his allergic rhinitis prior to July 14, 2022, and a 10 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as her scalp rash (psoriasis), due to insufficient examination findings and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and pseudofolliculitis barbae must be remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran needs new VA examinations to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance/housebound status or at a higher level is granted from April 16, 2021. Additionally, he meets the requirements for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for seborrheic dermatitis, service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, hypertension, respiratory disorders (bronchitis and COPD), and bilateral foot disabilities (pes planus) are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis (athlete's foot), ingrown toenails, and chronic callusing to heels due to outstanding VA medical records not being obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn all his pending appeals, including those for service connection for colon polyps and a skin disability, other than pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate examination and missing service treatment records. The Veteran's psoriasis is being reviewed again for possible connection to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for epididymitis, anemia/G6PD deficiency, eczema, neuropathy of right upper extremity, and neuropathy of left upper extremity have all been denied.,The Board has also remanded the claim for service connection for low back pain.

The Veteran's grade I diastolic heart failure is being remanded for a determination on whether it was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The atopic dermatitis and PTSD claims are also being remanded for further evaluation.