Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted an earlier effective date of November 25, 2020, for the award of a 30 percent rating for dermatitis and psoriasis.

The Veteran was granted separate ratings of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance, a higher rating under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o), and a higher rating under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1).

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left and right eye dry eyes, cataracts of the left and right eyes, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, left renal arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine, recurrent subluxation of the left knee prior to May 13, 2020, left total knee replacement, disability rating in excess of 60 percent from September 1, 2021, forward for left total knee replacement, DJD of the right knee, right knee instability, burns of the bilateral ankles, linear scar of the left knee, post-surgical tender scars of the left knee, and a total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU) based upon service-connected disabilities prior to June 14, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss disability, neck strain, and tinea pedis. The Veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was also denied. The claims for service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome were remanded.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, left foot swelling/pain, a left ankle condition, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hypertension and a higher rating for psoriasis, as the evidence did not support a finding that his conditions warranted increased ratings.

The Board granted service connection for headaches and right hand strain, increased the ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, dyshidrotic eczema, and hypertension, and denied service connection for Parkinsonism, pes planus/flat feet, GERD, tinea versicolor, allergic rhinitis, and tinnitus. The Board also granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include alcohol use disorder, unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, and PTSD was granted. Other claims for various conditions were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral foot tinea pedis, a cardiac disability, and hypertension.

The Board remands the claims for a compensable evaluation of service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae and for service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, migraines headaches, left foot bunions (hallux valgus), right foot bunions (hallux valgus), and tinnitus to ensure proper development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a higher disability rating for his service-connected depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not support increased ratings.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder and right ankle disabilities, as well as service connection for various other conditions.

The Board remands the claim for a new examination to more accurately assess the severity of the Veteran's psoriasis, as the previous assessment did not consider all areas affected and recent photographs.

The Board denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and remanded the claims for generalized anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board denied higher disability ratings for the veteran's low back and lower extremity radiculopathies, pseudofolliculitis barbae, pes planus and plantar fasciitis, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The Board granted a 30 percent initial rating for asthma, but remanded the claim for service connection of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea and back disability, preclude his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from March 19, 2025.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for asthma but denied all other claims, including service connection for various conditions and a compensable rating for scars between the scapulae.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for alopecia areata or alopecia androgenic, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and seborrheic dermatitis due to a need for additional evidence.