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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral disc bulge with facet arthrosis, left elbow strain, right knee strain, a left knee condition, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's PFB claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is not manifested by characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of the entire body affected; at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of exposed areas affected; or intermittent systemic therapy including corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks over the past 12-month period. Therefore, his claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including lumbosacral strain, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, tension headaches, acne, sleep disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), right wrist disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, neurological disorders affecting the lower extremities, and foot disorders. The Board found that none of these conditions warranted a higher rating or service connection.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions as they have already been granted in a previous rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for pseudofolliculitis barbae and chondromalacia of both knees due to inadequate examination reports and failure to comply with duty-to-assist requirements.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of the left hand is dismissed as it has already been granted. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC by reason of need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of the left hand. However, he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has determined that the discontinuance of SMC at the housebound rate was improper and has revised the effective date to October 1, 2022. The Veteran's entitlement to SMC benefits is now correct as of this date.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 23, 2021 for the increase in rating to 60 percent for psoriasis.

The Board found that the calculation of the combined disability rating from November 5, 2010 to January 26, 2022 was correct at 40 percent. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for rating purposes, necessitating remand to obtain new evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, including folliculitis and acne, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and right ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and left ear hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to deficiencies in the decision and potential outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for skin residuals and basal cell carcinoma, lip scar due to a duty to assist error regarding systemic therapy.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating prior to June 6, 2023 and a rating in excess of 10 percent from that date for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) have both been denied.

The September 30, 2009 rating decision denied service connection for chloracne as due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent. The Veteran's claim was not appealed and became final.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and GERD are granted as secondary to their respective service-connected conditions. The Veteran's OSA with asthma and bronchitis is denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's tinea cruris was granted service connection as it began during active duty. The right foot condition, right ankle sprain, and PFB issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's acne with scarring (head, face, or neck) is remanded for further development and a VA medical opinion to determine if it pre-existed service, was aggravated by service, and is related to any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for chloracne and residuals of right ear and face basal cell carcinoma have been granted at a 10 percent level, effective from the date of the decision.