Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings for PTSD, atopic dermatitis, and recurrent ingrown toenails due to the Veteran's absence from scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for multiple conditions due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions considering all toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022.

The Board remands the claim for a bilateral foot disability to obtain further development, including adequate VA examinations and opinions.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities, hypothyroidism, and dermatitis (claimed as chloracne) based on the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a skin condition to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left toe pain and loss of range of motion, finding that the Veteran's condition was a normal post-surgical outcome. The claims for service connection for dermatitis and HSV were remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied a higher rating for hypertension but granted a 10% rating for the left (minor) long/middle finger, while denying compensable ratings for the other fingers and dermatitis.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection and denied increased ratings for various disabilities, but granted a separate rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy from October 20, 2020.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for left knee strain and granted an initial 60 percent rating for dermatographism dermatitis.

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.