Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral leg eczema and left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either set of criteria, with the exception of the moderate impairment noted in June 16, 2015, which is considered to be effective from that date.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, neck disability, right knee disability, and PFB. The claims for sleep apnea are remanded as well.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based upon individual employability (TDIU) from January 2, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to this date, the evidence did not show he was unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate compliance with its previous remand instructions. The claims will be reconsidered in light of new evidence and considerations.

The Veteran's skin rash, including nummular eczema and pityrosporum (malassezia) folliculitis, is not service connected as it is not related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's folliculitis was granted service connection. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, back disability, psoriasis, migraines (due to undiagnosed illness or as secondary to tinnitus), GI disabilities (due to undiagnosed illness), and hemorrhoids (due to undiagnosed illness) are all remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since March 1, 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis was granted a rating of 30 percent from December 23, 2011, to March 8, 2012; a 10 percent rating from March 8, 2012, to March 29, 2021; and a 60 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the service connection for a skin disorder affecting the scalp. Therefore, another remand is required.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) has been denied as there is no evidence that he filed a formal or informal claim prior to May 31, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for eczema prior to November 6, 2017 and a rating in excess of 60 percent from November 6, 2017 is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable schedular rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but remanded the issue of service connection for a right foot disability due to in-service tinea pedis and foot ulcers.

The Veteran's recurring left foot callouses are rated at 20 percent, and his PFB is granted a non-compensable rating. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran on both issues.

The Veteran's dermatitis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, lumbar spine strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and residuals of a stroke are all granted. The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases of tinnitus, bilateral tinea pedis, right foot surgery residuals (secondary to tinea pedis), and bilateral hearing loss for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of discontinuation of VR&E benefits and her request for retroactive induction, finding that it was not reasonably feasible to achieve a vocational goal given her disabilities and employment history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disability, finding that his current condition is not related to his active duty service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation due to the need for aid and attendance and/or due to being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for psoriasis remains at 30 percent, and the claim is still pending. The Board found that his psoriasis does not meet criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new rating criteria.,For viral hepatitis, the evidence did not show daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia with weight loss or hepatomegaly requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication, or incapacitating episodes lasting at least two weeks. Therefore, the current 10 percent rating is maintained.

The Veteran's dermatitis was rated as noncompensable due to the lack of more than topical therapy and intermittent systemic therapy, with less than 5% affected body area.