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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for diverticulitis, glaucoma, scalp folliculitis, and tuberculosis as they are still under the legacy system.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for eczema/dermatitis with disfigurements of the right tibia, left ankle, left upper arm, neck, right hand and left hand was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 14, 2021 for the grant of service connection for eczema/dermatitis with disfigurements of the right tibia, left ankle, left upper arm, neck, right hand and left hand was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent TBI residuals was denied as no evidence of such condition during active service or thereafter. The rating for tinea pedis remains noncompensable due to the use of topical treatment. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate were granted prior to September 15, 2020. Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance was established prior to that date.

The Veteran's facial scars due to acne do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7800, as there is no evidence of visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips).

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a disability rating of 50 percent.,The issue of service connection for contact dermatitis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches, respiratory disability (claimed as acute viral syndrome), and dermatitis (claimed as skin rashes) due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ is required to obtain an addendum opinion on all theories of entitlement raised by the evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg pain and a right ankle condition, chronic pain in the left hip and leg, IBS, and seborrheic dermatitis. The claim for headaches was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, tinnitus, and bilateral flatfoot are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.,For the skin disability claim, a new VA medical opinion is needed as the previous opinions were inadequate.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is not manifested by scarring, disfigurement, or characteristic lesions involving more than 5% of the entire body affected, and does not require intermittent systemic therapy. Therefore, a compensable rating for atopic dermatitis is denied.,The Veteran's recurrent vaginal yeast infections are not manifested by symptoms that require continuous treatment. Therefore, a compensable rating for recurrent vaginal yeast infections is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted effective November 15, 2019. The Board found that the Veteran met eligibility criteria for these benefits as of this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disability and an increased rating for tinea versicolor are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. A VA examination is required for both issues.

The Veteran's tinea pedis condition, which has required near-constant systemic treatment since March 19, 2014, is now rated at 60 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and anxiety), headache disorder, TBI, pseudofolliculitis barbae, sinusitis, left knee disability, right knee disability, and tinea versicolor of the arms, leg, chest, and face are all denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's eczema, which may be a MUCMI or related to service. Additional development is needed.

The Board has granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for a skin condition and remanded it due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The case is also remanded for further development related to toxic exposure during service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran withdrew all appeals, including those for psoriasis, CFS, chronic headaches, and IBS.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is related to his active duty service and grants the claim for service connection.