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

The Board dismissed the appeal for a compensable disability rating for tinea pedis and onychomycosis due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the previously denied claims of diabetes mellitus type II, lung condition (also claimed as breathing problems), obstructive sleep apnea, and skin condition (claimed as psoriasis). The claims are being remanded to allow for a VA examination and further analysis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee and ankle conditions, low back pain, sciatic radicular pain, TBI, headaches, and PB, are granted. The Veteran is currently rated at 70% for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate was denied. The TDIU claim is based on service-connected bilateral pes planus, but no increase in severity during the year prior to January 7, 2011, is discernable.,The Veteran's SMC at the housebound rate from January 7, 2011, was also denied. The criteria for this benefit were not met as of that date.

The Board has decided to remand the tinea versicolor claim due to errors in obtaining relevant private treatment records and deficiencies in the medical opinion provided. The appellant's lay statements about the history of his symptoms will be considered.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's skin disability, back pain, and sciatic nerve radiculopathy. The main reasons are for obtaining updated medical records from VA community care programs and clarifying whether the Veteran's skin condition meets criteria for disfigurement.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date prior to November 18, 1988, for service connection of tinea pedis with dysphoric nails and onychomycosis.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for acne vulgaris has been withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for a back disability, but remanded the claims for increased ratings of callosities of the left and right feet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been remanded due to the lack of documentation regarding attempts to contact him and reschedule VA examinations.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 28, 2016 for the grant of a TDIU and DEA benefits. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 2014.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, while his bilateral hearing loss and other conditions are denied. The Board also remanded several issues for further development.

The Board denied eligibility to the direct payment of attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in a November 2022 Rating Decision, as the grant of service connection for a sinus disorder and combined rating of seborrheic dermatitis with pseudofolliculitis barbae did not result in past-due benefits.

The Veteran's migraines are now rated at the highest possible level of disability, 50 percent. The appeals for PFB and allergic rhinitis with residuals of a nose fracture have been dismissed as they were withdrawn by the Veteran. The right and left knee chondromalacia issues remain pending and will be remanded for further examination.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered, and a new examination is required to determine if he requires aid and attendance or is housebound due to his conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected skin conditions in the earlier part of the period on review.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and cervical strain have been granted initial evaluations of 40 percent each, effective December 23, 2016. The dermatitis has also been granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent, effective the same date. Migraines are not entitled to a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for seborrheic dermatitis due to inadequate medical opinion regarding its onset and causation. The case will be returned for further development.