Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's tinea cruris with atopic eczematoid dermatitis has required constant or near constant systemic therapy over the entire appeal period, warranting a 60 percent disability rating. The claim for an increased rating of residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, a digestive disorder, and dermatitis due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was found to affect less than 5 percent of his entire body prior to September 4, 2020 and more than 5 but less than 20 percent thereafter. The Board denied a compensable rating prior to September 4, 2020 and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, respiratory condition, residual scar from excision of benign growth, bilateral eye disability (blurred vision), right foot disorder, and dermatitis. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a psychiatric disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete examinations and lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.,Additional development is needed for the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability. The Board finds that an opinion regarding whether the Veteran was disciplined as a result of a fight while in-service and sent to the brig for 45 days as a result is necessary, as well as obtaining all relevant VA and private treatment records.,The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete examinations and lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions. The issue of TDIU must be deferred until after the outcome of the claims for service connection.,The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and housebound benefits. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the claims for service connection.,The Board has remanded the claim for SMC and TDIU. These derivative claims must be deferred until after the outcome of the claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stomach rash, also claimed as nummular dermatitis, is not service-connected due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient evidence linking his condition to military service.

The Board denied service connection for a neck condition and cold injury residuals of the hands and feet, finding no evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to service. The Veteran's claim for bilateral SNHL was remanded.,Service connection is not granted for a neck condition due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment, and there is insufficient evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining treatment records and providing examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is reopened, but the issues of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused her hidradenitis suppurativa and contact dermatitis. The examiner must address if these conditions are related to any of the Veteran’s skin diagnoses in service, including acne, pustules, papules, fungal infections, yeast infections, or other issues mentioned in her service treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne, diabetes mellitus type II, porphyria, and osteoporosis due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for an additional dependency allowance was dismissed as moot because the RO corrected its previous decision and awarded benefits effective September 21, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran requires aid and attendance of another person or if he is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. The VA must obtain an addendum from a medical examiner to provide specific findings on these issues.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable rating for headaches from May 9, 2014 to May 7, 2015 was denied. However, a 10 percent rating for headaches beginning May 8, 2015 was granted.,The Veteran's tinea pedis case is remanded and the TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and granted a 20% rating for the residuals of left ankle fracture, but denied compensable ratings for seborrheic dermatitis.

The Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service or presumed herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded the issues of psoriasis and osteopenia for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and an initial compensable disability rating for constipation should be remanded due to a duty to assist error in obtaining medical records from the Zablocki VAMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of information regarding the necessity for a Master's Degree and vocational rehabilitation evaluations. The Veteran must provide any necessary documentation, and the AOJ should arrange for functional capacity evaluations and determine if the Veteran can achieve employment as a licensed social worker.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, specifically chronic dermatitis and mycotic toenails.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development regarding the Veteran's right hallux valgus with hammer toe, left hallux valgus with hammer toe, tinea unguium, and residuals of a right wrist fracture.