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

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of thoracolumbar spine, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, and eczema of bilateral ears. The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a rating of 30% effective May 8, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for a comprehensive opinion regarding service connection for skin disabilities, including spongiotic dermatitis and other skin pathology, potentially linked to exposure in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's chronic dermatitis with tinea pedis is currently rated at 60 percent, which is the highest available rating under the applicable criteria. The Board found that no higher rating was warranted as there were no symptoms or conditions not already accounted for by the current rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right wrist disability (other than CTS) are not service-connected. The Veteran is granted a 30 percent rating for his CTS of the left wrist from August 24, 2022, but denied higher ratings for his CTS of the right wrist and PFB.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion from a dermatologist regarding the etiology of the Veteran's skin disability, which may be related to service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's skin conditions, including onychomycosis of the bilateral feet and tinea pedis, tinea corporis of face, and PFB, are being remanded for further development to address staged ratings and potential pyramiding issues.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for liver condition, dermatitis, and heart condition due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's claims are not supported by competent evidence showing a current disability resulting from in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's psoriasis is rated at 30 percent, the maximum allowed under current regulations. The condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating as it has not affected more than 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy is required.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and increased ratings for PTSD, multiple traumas to left hand, dermatitis, and a scar are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied as VA did not receive a valid claim prior to June 15, 2015.,Claims for service connection for various conditions were previously denied in final rating decisions dated October 2006 and March 2009. The Veteran's claims have been reopened but no new evidence was submitted within one year of these decisions.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) due to incomplete examination findings and lack of documentation regarding icepick scarring.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete findings and inadequate rationales in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding a compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) with scarring, as the Veteran opted his legacy appeal into the modernized review system in January 2020.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for chloracne was granted, but the Board is remanding the case to determine if a higher evaluation is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left foot plantar wart is granted. The Board has determined that the Veteran must undergo a new VA examination to address his other diagnosed conditions, as the previous opinions are inadequate.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as his nonservice-connected physical disabilities have a more significant impact on his employability.

The Board denied service connection for connective tissue disability, arthritic disability (psoriatic arthritis), skin disability (psoriasis), and fibromyalgia as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple surgical procedures and their potential impact on his conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain Social Security Administration disability benefits records, as the record shows SSA disability benefits but there is no evidence of such in the VA file.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a skin condition (other than sebopsoriasis of the scalp) due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's claims are pending and need further clarification regarding his reported conditions and their relation to his combat service.