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

The Board denied service connection for a skin condition, including dermatitis of the arm, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 29, 2018, for the grant of service connection for folliculitis (claimed as skin condition) is denied. The Board also remanded his claim for a respiratory condition due to exposure to environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's skin condition symptoms are not adequately contemplated by the applicable rating criteria but are commensurate to a 60 percent evaluation. Entitlement to an extraschedular initial rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for dermatitis claimed as sweet syndrome is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as secondary to the service-connected fibromyalgia, a skin disorder (tinea versicolor), and a bilateral knee disorder. The evidence supports these determinations based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for various conditions, including those secondary to a hysterectomy and/or medication prescribed post-surgery, was denied as the evidence did not support that these conditions were caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent for psoriasis is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating for sebaceous cysts and service connection for dental extractions due to incomplete development. The Veteran's medications related to his sebaceous cysts need clarification, as does the relationship between his current diagnosis of cystic acne and his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for dermatitis prior to August 30, 2002, based on constant itching and marked disfigurement.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's back disorder had its onset during service. Service connection was denied for eczema due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for service-connected left second finger digital nerve mononeuritis and nonlinear scar, as well as for bilateral pes planus, pseudofolliculitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic eye condition, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypothyroidism is granted. The claims for seborrheic dermatitis, GERD, esophagitis, liver disability (claimed as hepatitis A), and a disability of the ovaries status post cystectomy and oophorectomy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis, a skin disability claimed as candida, tinea pedis, and a skin disability claimed as wart left thumb. The ratings for GERD and right wrist disabilities were also remanded.

Your claim for a higher rating for tinea versicolor has been denied because your service connection was severed by an earlier decision, and retroactive increases are not allowed once entitlement is terminated.

The Board has found that the Veteran's facial scars do not warrant a rating in excess of 80 percent. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for major depressive disorder, as well as individual unemployability.

The Veteran's eczema has worsened and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower jaw disability was denied. The Board found that the in-service dental procedure did not result in bone loss due to trauma or osteomyelitis, and thus, service connection could not be established.

The Veteran's skin conditions, including onychomycosis and tinea pedis, are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to his in-service service or exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of tinea pedis, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking any right foot disability or hearing loss to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the appeals are denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or exposure to relevant conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the same condition is denied. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a cervical strain (now also claimed as a neck disability). Service connection for PTSD, tinea versicolor, and sinusitis is denied. Service connection for other conditions related to Gulf War exposures and other hazardous exposure is remanded.