Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied. Effective dates for asthma, right shoulder strain, and left shoulder strain were granted starting from October 9, 2020. Claims for earlier effective dates for tinea versicolor and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and higher ratings for cervical spine strain and lumbosacral spine strain with arthritis were denied. Claims for right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, and individual unemployability were remanded.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to tinea versicolor. The Veteran will undergo a VA examination to determine if the psychiatric disorder is related to the service-connected skin condition.

The Board denied an earlier effective date and higher ratings for some conditions but remanded decisions on other conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected acneiform lesions because the evidence showed only superficial acne without deep inflammation, scarring, or disfigurement.

The Board denied service connection for head injury, chest pain, and higher ratings for several conditions. It remanded decisions on compensable ratings for inguinal hernia and surgical scar.

The veteran's service-connected chronic dermatitis of the skin has been granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent effective February 25, 2004. The decision is based on the severity and extent of the condition as documented by medical examinations.

The veteran's claim for service connection for eczema was granted, but the claim for a higher rating for sarcoidosis with asthma prior to July 8, 2019 was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected barbae folliculitis because the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied. All other claims were remanded for further review.

The veteran's claims for service connection for multiple conditions were denied. The claim for anemia was remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder and higher ratings for tinnitus, PFB, PTSD, and knee disabilities. It granted separate 10 percent ratings for left and right knee extension limitations as of January 9, 2020. The claims for intertrigo, gastrointestinal disorders, TDIU, and an earlier effective date for DEA were remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus, low back condition, blurred vision, and headaches were denied. However, the claim for a 10 percent evaluation for epilepsy was granted.

The appeal to reverse or revise a May 1976 rating decision, which denied service connection for a skin rash, on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is dismissed. The Board found that the May 1976 rating decision was not final and assigned an earlier effective date of July 17, 1975, for an award of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and allergic dermatitis.

The veteran withdrew their appeal, so the Board dismissed all issues related to increased ratings for dermatitis, PTSD, feeding/eating disorder, and claims for service connection for hearing loss and plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, scars, and a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions but granted it for right hip disability and assigned a 20 percent rating for right knee instability. Some issues were remanded.

The Board granted the appeal, restoring the Veteran's foot disability rating to 50 percent and reinstating special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate effective May 1, 2023.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial, compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae with hidradenitis suppurativa. The evidence did not show that the conditions met the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 11, 2019 is granted.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board could not determine if the veteran's conditions impaired his ability to work.