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

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for PFB was granted, and a subsequent 30 percent rating was assigned effective October 28, 2022. The current rating is based on deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts affecting less than 40% of the face and neck.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and dermatitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.,Service connection claims for gastritis, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, and prostate disorder remain unresolved.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms, as well as the relationship between current disabilities and active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues related to service connection, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, headaches, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, respiratory disability, fibromyalgia, and personality disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis, and bilateral pes planus have been granted. The claim for glaucoma is remanded due to lack of definitive evidence.,Service connection has been established for bilateral plantar fasciitis as it is considered secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Acne, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic sleep disability is denied.,Service connection and increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative changes at L5-S1, cervical spine strain with C5-6 spondylosis, left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, and tinea versicolor with tinea pedis are also denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain is denied.,Service connection and increased ratings for tinea versicolor with tinea pedis are denied.

The Veteran is granted a higher rate of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions, which include generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, cardiomegaly associated with generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and cataract, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, major depressive disorder, erectile dysfunction, and dermatitis. The Veteran is in receipt of a combined total evaluation for compensation of 100 percent from July 22, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for acne with scarring. The cases of hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, and anemia are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition has been granted service connection. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral hip, leg, and foot conditions are related to his now service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus with plantar fascitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis was diagnosed during service and is considered to be related to service. Headaches are denied as well.

The Board has granted service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), finding that the condition had its onset during active duty and persists since then.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder, including seborrheic dermatitis and skin peeling syndrome, to include as due to herbicide agent exposure. The evidence is in equipoise that the Veteran's current skin condition is related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis/eczema and whether her use of topical corticosteroid treatment can be considered systemic therapy affecting the body as a whole.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PFB, right knee PFS, and left shoulder acromioclavicular osteoarthritis have been granted. The conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability rating, service connection claims, and TDIU based on his withdrawal of appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as service connection was not established due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to military service.,Obstructive sleep apnea and pseudofolliculitis barbae are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) has been granted, and the issue is dismissed as there are no remaining claims to be decided. The issues of increased ratings for right elbow epicondylitis and bilateral heel spurs are remanded for further development.