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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A) from February 7, 2018.

The appeal for service connection for sleep disturbance, including sleep apnea is dismissed. The rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is denied and the case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an increased rating for osteochondritis dissecans of the right ankle and service connection for tinea cruris during a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, was granted service connection. The right hip degenerative joint disease and related issues were denied with some evaluations being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pityriasis rosea, otitis externa, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea corporis, and bilateral pes planus are remanded due to the need for VA examinations and medical opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected chloracne and associated scars due to an incomplete examination in January 2018. The Veteran was previously granted separate ratings for her chloracne, neck scar, and trunk scars but had them combined into one rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to revise a November 2016 rating decision that continued a 30 percent disability rating for dermatitis on hands due to lack of CUE. The evidence did not show systemic therapy, and the RO applied the correct criteria at the time.

Service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, Chronic Lumbar Strain, and Insomnia has been granted.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by his service treatment records and post-service medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected lichenoid dermatitis, service connection for respiratory disability, and service connection for left ankle disability are all remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine if his service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for specially adapted housing benefits due to anatomical loss or use of a lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis has been granted. The claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, left shoulder, and right shoulder conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also remanded as it may be related to an undiagnosed illness or toxic exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's asthma, tinnitus, and related conditions are now service-connected. The Board has determined that additional examinations and remands are necessary for further analysis of the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of IBS and scars of the left lower extremity, residuals of sebaceous cyst removal, are being remanded due to insufficient development. The Board also finds that his claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities is dismissed as he now has a combined rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, PTSD, hypoesthesia of the lateral third of the left lower lip, lumbar strain, irritable bowel syndrome, dermatitis, and bilateral tinnitus are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a 10% rating for each condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and acne has been dismissed.,Service connection for TBI is granted, but the claim for hypertension secondary to service-connected PTSD or sleep apnea remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of an increased rating for PFB, service connection for hearing loss, and service connection for a psychiatric disability due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae with scarring is currently rated at 30 percent, and the claim for an increased evaluation remains denied. The effective date of September 10, 2018 has also been denied.

The Board denied service connection for eczema, motion sickness/vertigo, nose bleeds/epistaxis, rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the evidence did not support an in-service onset or link to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for psoriasis is being remanded due to the need for a proper opinion regarding his specific contentions.