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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and psoriasis are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding secondary service connection, exposure to Agent Orange, and TERA.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating prior to November 19, 2020, and a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter for pseudofolliculitis barbae with scarring (skin disability) has been previously adjudicated by the Board.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including eczema, is rated as noncompensable from August 31, 2010. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the purposes of establishing accrued benefits. However, the appeal for service connection for the cause of death and remanding for further development remains.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The claims for bruxism, psoriasis, and squamous cell cancer are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right eye burn, dry eye syndrome, and acne have been denied. The claim for an effective date prior to April 2, 2016 for the grant of service connection for left pinky disability has also been denied. The Board is remanding claims for PFB, chin area lesion with scar, and a right knee disorder.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his skin disability, which affects between 5 and 20 percent of his body. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on systemic therapy or other diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent) based on the average pure tone thresholds in both ears being within the range of level I hearing impairment.,Prior to February 14, 2020, the Veteran's dermatitis was rated at a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating. Effective from February 14, 2020, it is rated as 30 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7806.,Prior to June 19, 2017, the Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome was rated at a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating. Effective from June 19, 2017, it is rated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Codes 5215-8515.,Prior to June 19, 2017, the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was rated at a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating. Effective from June 19, 2017, it is rated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Codes 5215-8515.,Prior to June 19, 2017, the Veteran's left knee arthritis was rated at a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating. Effective from August 30, 2012, it is rated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5260.,Prior to June 19, 2017, the Veteran's right knee arthritis was rated at a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating. Effective from August 30, 2012, it is rated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5260.,The Veteran's arthroscopic scars in the left knee were granted service connection effective from December 9, 2008, and no earlier date has been established.,All other issues have been denied.

The Veteran was granted service connection for right and left foot frostbite, bilateral tinea pedis, and right and left foot hallux valgus with effective dates of July 13, 2018.,Separate noncompensable disability ratings were assigned for residuals of right and left foot frostbite.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and psoriasis are found to have caused his current OSA, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The appeal for service connection for asthma is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for acne is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding the reduction of disability ratings for recurrent tinea versicolor and painful bilateral foot scars as they were not appealable decisions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected depressive disorder, head, face, and neck scars, lower left extremity scars, right upper extremity scars, right lower extremity scars, and dermatitis, eczema, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for tinea pedis and for a separate rating for damaged toenails and soft corns, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the January 2022 rating decision that continued the noncompensable rating for tinea pedis. The Board also found no basis for a separate rating due to overlapping symptomatology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted due to new evidence submitted, including the passage of the PACT Act. The appeals are granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for various disability ratings as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective June 7, 2016.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for psoriasis and left knee sprain is denied.

The Veteran's psoriasis is granted as incurred in service.,The Veteran's psoriatic arthritis is granted as secondary to his service-connected psoriasis.

The Veteran's skin disabilities are associated with gas chamber training during service. The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the presence and relation of these disabilities to his service.

The Veteran withdrew all appeals for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, left hip disability, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability. The Board has dismissed these claims.