Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,Service connection for left ankle disability (strain) is denied. The issue has been remanded.

The Board denied a TDIU prior to August 23, 2018 due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions not meeting the criteria for an extraschedular rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for spongiotic dermatitis with a history of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma prior to August 11, 2020, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not require regular aid and attendance from another person, nor did he meet the criteria for being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions, including asthma, stomach issues, bowel adhesions, ulcerative colitis, hernias, and eczema. The claims are being returned to VA for further examination and medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, specifically whether they are related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's chloracne and PTSD with alcohol dependence are granted as service connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorder, is denied. Service connection for a back disability and neck disability is remanded.

The Veteran's lung disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected. The claim for chloracne is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied. Separate ratings for a disfigured right cheek scar, a painful right cheek scar, and right temporomandibular joint dysfunction are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

The Veteran's tinea cruris has not affected at least 20 percent of the exposed skin area or total skin area, and it has not required systemic therapy treatment. Therefore, an initial rating higher than 10 percent for tinea cruris is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and vertigo, but has remanded the cases of neck disability and skin condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, Diverticulosis, and a skin condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between the current condition and service. The Veteran's STRs were silent for complaints or treatment of any ankle conditions.,Service connection was granted for dermatitis, with the examiner noting a 1974 diagnosis of acne continuing to require topical creams.

The Board has received additional evidence and the Veteran's representative has requested that this evidence be reviewed by the AOJ/RO. The Board is therefore remanding these matters to comply with the Veteran’s request.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records from SSA, private physicians, and VA. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, including on the bilateral lower extremities, is being remanded due to incomplete examination results and need for updated medical records.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis, finding that her condition did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) as there is no evidence that the Veteran's condition affects at least five percent of his entire body or exposed areas, and it does not require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 11, 2015, for service connection of right ankle and right knee disabilities. The appeals for bilateral pes planus, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), low back disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), skin disorder other than PFB, right ankle disability, and right knee disability are pending and will be remanded for further development.