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

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for tinea corporis and pedis from 10% to 30%, finding that there was an improvement in his condition and ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, recurrent disability manifested by vertigo, and a compensable rating prior to August 27, 2020, and in excess of 60 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to pre-decisional errors regarding audiometric testing and treatment records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral eye conditions are granted service connection due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor did not result in more than 20 percent of his entire body or exposed areas being affected, and no intermittent systemic therapy was required. Therefore, the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea versicolor is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis, migraines, and esophagitis have been granted.,Entitlement to a compensable rating for dyshidrotic eczema/hyperhidrosis sweaty hands and feet has been denied.

The Veteran's skin disability, including pityriasis spongiosum folliculitis and atopic dermatitis, is rated at 80 percent from December 27, 1993. The decision grants this rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including left and right ankle disabilities, an eye disability, flat feet, a left foot disability, a left groin disability, perirectal abscess, pilonidal cyst, and hemorrhoids. The issue of service connection for a skin disability (urticaria and dermatitis) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for a TERA examination. The Veteran is also requested to provide authorization for private treatment records from Dr. G.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, carpal tunnel disabilities, pseudofolliculitis barbae, knee disabilities, and lower back disability. As a result, the Board dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a skin disability to include eczema are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The effective date remains pending further review.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis disability is granted as service-connected, with the condition present during and since his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, fibromyalgia, and sleep apnea, were granted effective August 18, 2015. The Board also found that the Veteran could not secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to PTSD from May 8, 2018, to February 29, 2020.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him sufficiently helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, nor did they require him to remain in bed. Therefore, the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is denied.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the previously denied claims for service connection for a back disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, erectile dysfunction, left hip disability, right hip disability, disability of the peripheral nerves of the left lower extremity, disability of the peripheral nerves of the right lower extremity, GERD, and prostate. The Veteran's current disabilities are being readjudicated.

The Board has determined that there are missing service treatment records and the AOJ should make further attempts to locate these records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The tinnitus and psoriasis with scarring are rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, while the acquired psychiatric disorder is not rated higher due to a lack of evidence showing impairment beyond what is already covered by the current rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for dermatitis is remanded due to a duty to assist error and inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the appellant's claimed bilateral lower extremity venous insufficiency stasis dermatitis, hypertension, and diabetes.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and skin disorder, including tinea corporis and tinea versicolor, are granted service connection. The claim for a psychiatric disorder is remanded.