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

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic spongiotic eczematous dermatitis (claimed as eczema) and chronic rhinitis are both granted due to presumed exposure to environmental toxins during Southwest Asia service.,Both conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's in-service exposures, with no need for a direct nexus.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for dermatitis, finding that the appellant's condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on body area affected or systemic therapy use.

The Veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as neurodermatitis, is granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for bilateral restless leg syndrome (RLS) is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's psoriasis (previously claimed as rash groin area) is granted service connection.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis for infertility, thus the claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her left knee, hip, and other conditions.,The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, chronic coughing, acne, menstrual condition, and bilateral shin splints are being remanded as she has not provided clarification on which specific joints her claim relates to.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae with facial scars have not been manifested by any characteristics of disfigurement; characteristic lesions cover less than 5 percent of the entire body and of exposed areas affected. Therefore, the criteria for a compensable rating are not met.

The Veteran's PFB is not rated as compensable due to the lack of characteristic lesions affecting at least 5 percent of the entire body or requiring intermittent systemic therapy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, including obtaining a VA examination and verifying his period of active duty.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, acne, and chest pain are denied. The claim for increased rating for left foot bunion is granted with a 10% rating effective August 10, 2021. The Veteran's claim for service connection for chest pain is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors and requires a new examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's skin condition.

The Veteran's service connection for dermatitis, IBS, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory condition, fibromyalgia, functional abdominal pain syndrome with abdominal pain and bloating, gastric ulcers, and CFS is granted. The rating assigned is 10 percent effective as of the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (eczema, PTSD, and heart condition) have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

Service connection for PFB is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hip pain and thoracolumbar spine disability may be related to service, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (eczema, PTSD, and heart condition) have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for right epididymitis, headaches, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and a respiratory condition due to the lack of current diagnoses and failure to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, migraine headaches, back disability, left knee limitation of flexion, left shin splints, GERD, nephrolithiasis, PFB, and ED are all rated at the maximum available rating (50%) for each condition.

The Veteran's PFB was granted service connection as it is considered a direct result of his military service, with no other conditions or exposures involved.

The Veteran's claims for Athlete's foot, bilateral hearing loss (BHL), and bilateral tinnitus were denied. The claim for acne scars was granted.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran's current diagnoses of right shoulder osteoarthritis and left shoulder disability are not related to his military service.,The Board found no credible evidence that the Veteran had symptoms of either shoulder during service or within one year of separation.

The Veteran's GERD is granted an increased rating to 30 percent, effective from the date of the appeal. The Veteran's eczema of the hands remains at a noncompensable rating.