Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2024

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 21, 2023, for the award of service connection for dermatitis and denied a compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae (skin condition) were evaluated, but neither condition met the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.,Specifically, the Veteran's bilateral foot condition did not show marked deformity or relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment. Her skin condition was found to affect less than 5% of her total body area and less than 5% of exposed areas.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to June 18, 2024, for a grant of a 60 percent evaluation for tinea pedis. The earliest possible effective date is set at June 18, 2024.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection of sleep apnea, hypertension, left arm disability, bilateral hip disabilities, and a compensable rating for tinea pedis. The evidence does not support current diagnoses or functional impairment related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for eczema, skin cancer (face), and migraine headaches were granted with effective dates of March 1, 2021. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea and lower back injury/fusion was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to a lack of current disability, finding no evidence of a current skin condition.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.,However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of being housebound as he does not have a single disability rated 100% disabling with other service-connected independently ratable at 60%, or be permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions did not prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, finding that the conditions did not have onset during active service or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's psoriasis is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The appeals for service connection for a low back disability, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are dismissed due to procedural defects.,The appeal for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, claimed as shave bumps, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating for major depressive disorder, SMC based on housebound status, and DEA eligibility is denied. The Board found that entitlement to these benefits arose after October 5, 2020.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was characterized by involvement of less than 5 percent of the total area and exposed area, and he was treated with a non-systemic topical antibacterial cream. The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board determined that the disability does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record, which includes a VA examination indicating that the condition affects between 5 to 19 percent of the total body area and exposed areas affected.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The claims for a skin disability, insomnia, and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis is granted, while the claims for sinusitis, myopia, cervical spine disability with arthritis, erectile dysfunction, left ankle sprain and Achilles tendon disability, left shoulder sprain, right shoulder sprain, pulled groin, left knee strain, right knee strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right ankle sprain and Achilles tendon disability, left carpal tunnel disability, right carpal tunnel disability, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage), right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage), left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage), and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage) are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is also denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been granted a 30% evaluation. The cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as well as the obstructive sleep apnea, are being remanded for further development. The compensable initial evaluation for folliculitis of the scalp, face, and neck is also being remanded. The SMC claim is part of the pending increased rating claims.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected acne, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's request for higher-level review was denied as it was untimely filed.

The Veteran's claims for additional months of service-connected compensation for various conditions have been denied. The effective dates and payment start dates are legally correct.