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

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae and associated anterior neck scar are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's skin condition, lichen simplex/dermatitis of the bilateral hands, is rated as noncompensable (0%) due to less than 5% body or exposed area affected and requiring only topical therapy.

The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis and onychomycosis are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that the conditions were incurred during active duty from October 1971 to February 1972.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for dyshidrotic eczema, which was previously rated as minimal residual skin rash fingers.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied, and his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of the required symptoms to warrant a compensable rating for chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The issues regarding right knee, left knee, right shoulder, and right wrist conditions are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors and inconsistent medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone prevents him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. Additionally, the combined rating of his additional disabilities (Acne, Bilateral Hearing Loss, Absence, Acquired Left Testicle, and Tinnitus) meets the 60% threshold required for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective May 28, 2021. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and statis dermatitis on bilateral legs and ankles have been denied. The decision is based on the lack of new and relevant evidence, as well as the absence of a nexus between the conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and a compensable rating for tinea pedis due to failure to provide adequate VA examinations prior to denying these claims.

The Board denied service connection for tinea pedis, also claimed as onychomycosis, and tinea cruris, also claimed as jock itch. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not found to have begun during his active service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Board denied service connection for a low back disability with radiculopathy. The Veteran's current diagnosis was not found to have begun during his active service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's eczema, plantar warts of the left foot, and onychomycosis of all toenails did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The Board found that there was no evidence of functional impairment equivalent to involvement of 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of the exposed areas affected, and systemic therapy such as with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs were not required for a total duration of six weeks or more during the past 12-month period.

The Veteran's asthma was denied as it is not related to service.,Bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for a disability.,Pseudofolliculitis barbae did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.,Keloids on the nape of the neck were remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and sinusitis, but has remanded the issue of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to sleep apnea, and the reopening of claims for service connection for headaches and acneform rash have been granted.

The Veteran's right foot fissure between 4th and 5th toes and tinea pedis are currently rated as noncompensable.,The Veteran's Barret's esophagus and hiatal hernia with GERD are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine and Chloracne are pending, while his claim for Porphyria Cutanea Tarda is denied.,Porphyria Cutanea Tarda was not diagnosed within one year after presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's cervical strain with right upper extremity radiculopathy, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and left wrist sprain are all granted. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum disability rating for his left wrist sprain.