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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are not properly adjudicated due to procedural errors, and thus remands are necessary for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected eczema was granted, with a rating of 10 percent effective January 19, 2022. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the current condition and active service.,Service connection for dermatitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during or related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, hypoparathyroidism, diabetes mellitus type 2, peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, atrial fibrillation, and chloracne scar are all denied as there is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for dermatitis was dismissed. His claim for service connection for OSA was dismissed as the June 2023 decision effectively granted his appeal in full. The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, but granted a 10 percent rating for sinusitis.

The Veteran's dermatitis was rated at a 60% disability effective May 28, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date for this rating.

The Veteran's application for VR&E benefits was denied because he did not meet the criteria for an employment handicap, despite having a combined rating of 100 percent due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran had overcome any impairments caused by his disabilities and was employed in a suitable position.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastrointestinal condition, skin disability, and traumatic brain injury were denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.,Service connection was not granted due to the absence of a current diagnosis in the record.

The Veteran's tinea pedis with onychomycosis and right small mallet finger with arthritis have been evaluated, but neither condition meets the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.,Both conditions were rated based on their specific diagnostic codes without any indication of service connection theory or exposure basis.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, groin pain, and right arm callus is denied.,The claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a right knee disability, and a left lower extremity pain are remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in this case is inadequate and remands the matter for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's left foot conditions are related to his service.

Anxiety and depression are now rated at 70 percent effective October 8, 2018.,Tinea versicolor remains rated at 30 percent effective October 8, 2018.,Headaches or migraines are now rated at 50 percent effective October 8, 2018.,Residuals of TBI are now rated at 10 percent effective October 8, 2018.,Orthostatic hypotension is now rated at 30 percent effective October 8, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for eczema and hypothyroidism have been remanded.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the service-connected Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), finding that it manifests by disfigurement of the head, face, or neck with two or three characteristics of disfigurement.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for dermatitis, fatigue, and increase rating for right shoulder rotator cuff tear due to a duty to assist error. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, specifically whether it is secondary to a service-connected disability or caused by obesity. The examiner must provide opinions on both causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's hypertension and left epididymitis have been rated based on their current manifestations. The Board has found no evidence of a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more that required continuous medication for control, nor atrophy in either testicle, which would warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran's deviated nasal septum and tinea pedis disabilities are remanded for further examination to determine their relationship to service.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) as the evidence did not show it involved at least 5% of the entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy was required.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not characterized by greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side prior to May 25, 2018. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension due to lack of a current diagnosis. The issues of service connection for right eye ptosis, gastrointestinal disability, and dermatitis are remanded as the VA examinations did not provide adequate rationale or diagnoses.