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

The Veteran's claim for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) has been granted, with the condition believed to have started during service.,Service connection was denied for a nose injury and respiratory disorder due to lack of evidence supporting their existence or association with service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, diagnosed as dermatographia, pressure urticaria, xerosis, and eczematous rash. The decision finds that it is at least as likely as not that these conditions started in service and have continued since.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder condition, and sleep apnea were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and unspecified trauma and stress related disorder) secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted. Claims for service connection for eczema, cyst, and left eye disorder were denied.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are denied.,Service connection is granted for sleep apnea, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is reopened.

The Veteran's PFB has not manifested as constant exudation or itching, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement and he has not been prescribed systemic therapy such as corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen or other immunosuppressive drugs for a total duration of six weeks or more. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for PFB.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's sinusitis has been manifested by no more than two non-incapacitating episodes, and no incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis. Neither three or more incapacitating episodes, nor more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting have been shown. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for chronic sinusitis.,Throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran's left ankle disability was manifested by no more than moderate limitation of motion; marked limitation of motion was not shown. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for acne, seborrheic dermatitis, left ear hearing loss, and hypertension have been denied as new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected xerosis cutis with seborrheic dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent prior to January 16, 2016, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's skin disorder other than tinea versicolor, to include eczema, is not service-connected.,The effective date for the increased PTSD rating cannot be earlier than April 11, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for bilateral feet tinea pedis is remanded due to discrepancies in the medical records and need for clarification on medication use and physical manifestations.

The Board has determined that the January 2024 VA examination is not sufficient to rate the Veteran's atopic dermatitis for the entire period on appeal due to its failure to address whether topical corticosteroid cream constitutes systemic therapy. The case is therefore remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding service connection for psoriasis and the Veteran's exposure during service in Kuwait and Iraq. The VA must obtain a TERA opinion to determine if the Veteran's psoriasis is related to his toxic exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for chloracne and an earlier effective date, finding no clear and unmistakable error in their decision.

The Veteran's PFB with scarring was granted a 30 percent rating prior to June 23, 2016. From that date onwards, the claim for higher ratings was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for a new examination to assess current severity and functional impact. His stomach and kidney conditions are also remanded for examinations and opinions.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeals for service connection and increased ratings on multiple conditions, which the Board has dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for bladder cancer and left knee pain, but denied service connection for GERD, acne, right knee pain, erectile dysfunction, and sinus disability. The TDIU claim was dismissed.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective February 16, 2012. The claim for this award was received on that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chloracne at any point during the appeal period and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of increased rating for actinic keratosis, service connection for DDD, service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and service connection for squamous cell carcinoma are all remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's tinea cruris and hyperthyroidism (including vitiligo, constipation, and exophthalmos) are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine, left ankle post traumatic tendonitis, gastritis with gastroesophageal reflux disease, dermatitis, and scar, residual of spine surgery have all been denied.,Specifically, the Veteran's back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 22, 2020, and at 20 percent from that date onwards.