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

Service connection for tinea pedis (claimed as toenail fungus) is granted.,Service connection for tinnitus and finger pain are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected eczema and migraine headaches were denied by the Board. The Veteran's eczema was rated at 30 percent, while his migraine headaches were also rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PFB and lower back strain have been denied. The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted for PFB, as the condition did not meet the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7813-7806. For lower back strain, the claim was also denied as there was no evidence meeting the criteria for an increased rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and a need for further medical examination regarding the Veteran's ability to require aid and attendance or be housebound.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of entitlement to an increased rating for dermatitis, a TDIU prior to October 1, 2013, and SMC at the housebound rate prior to July 5, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for eczema/dermatitis, hidradenitis left arm (multiple abscesses), sinus tachycardia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, and dyslipidemia are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The PACT Act requires an examination and opinion for certain non-presumptive diseases involving toxic exposure risk activity.

The Veteran's PFB-related anterior neck scarring is rated at 30 percent disabling, effective October 4, 2021. A separate rating of 10 percent for a painful scar associated with the PFB is also granted.

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent initial rating for topical dermatitis and denied an increased rating for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board also remanded several other issues, including service connection claims for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and psoriasis due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his military service, but VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial 20% disability rating for bilateral dry eye with pinguecula and conjunctivitis was granted, but the other claims were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sleep apnea and eczema due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection, particularly concerning aggravation by PTSD. The Veteran's exposure to burn pits is also noted as a potential factor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and further examination. The appeals are not granted as there is no evidence of an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to inadequate development and lack of proper nexus opinions. The Veteran was exposed to toxic substances during his military service, including TCE, benzene, butadiene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, gasoline, jet propellant, cadmium, fuels, cleaning solvents, degreasing agents, paint stripper, fumes, and exhaust.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following gainful employment from December 12, 2017 to December 31, 2019 on an extraschedular basis.

The Board denied service connection for tinea versicolor, finding insufficient evidence to link the condition to military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for various ratings related to deep venous thrombosis, dermatitis, hyperhidrosis, and right kidney cysts with punctate nephrolithiasis.

The Veteran's skin disorder, which includes pseudo folliculitis barbae and eczema, is now rated at 60 percent effective from May 18, 2020. The left knee disability remains rated at 30 percent.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension under the PACT Act and restored a 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus with aggravated erectile dysfunction, while denying other claims.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae (PB) was not shown to meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating, as it did not affect at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas and no intermittent systemic therapy was required.