Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's dyshidrotic eczema of the feet is rated as noncompensable, with less than 5% affected area and no systemic therapy required.

The Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claims for eczema and dermatitis, an unspecified anxiety disorder with panic attacks, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted. The claim for service connection for skin disability due to herbicide agent exposure is also granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II (DM II) is granted.

The Veteran's request for self-employment assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) was granted. The decision found that the Veteran has a serious employment handicap due to his service-connected disabilities, which necessitated selection of self-employment as the only reasonably feasible vocational goal.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for dermatitis/eczema as the evidence does not show that it more nearly approximates at least 5 percent of total body area or exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy required.

The Veteran's service connection claim for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was granted. The rating for eczema prior to July 5, 2017 and from July 5, 2017 to April 11, 2019 was denied. The rating for onychomycosis from October 9, 2016 to May 13, 2019 was denied. The rating for tinea pedis from October 9, 2016 to March 9, 2017 was denied. A rating of 60 percent for dermatophytosis with eczema starting from May 14, 2019 was granted.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted as of June 5, 2014.,Service connection for PFB is granted.,Service connection for Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction due to PTSD is granted.,Service connection for Tinnitus is remanded.,Service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DMII) is remanded.,Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claims for the periods prior to and since August 26, 2011 were denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Veteran is currently in receipt of a combined 100% disability rating due to multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of performing daily activities or require regular aid and attendance, thus SMC based on housebound status or the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded four issues: increased rating for a bilateral foot disability, rating in excess of 10 percent for skin disabilities, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, and TDIU. The reasons are that there may be outstanding VA treatment records and private treatment records from Dr. Das.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s actinic keratosis is related to service. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining additional records and clarifying the examiner's opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and tinea versicolor due to a lack of new and relevant evidence in his February 2019 supplemental claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tinea pedis worsened since the last VA examination, causing significant blistering and bleeding on both feet. The Board finds that an updated VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the condition.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, including tinea pedis and eczema of the elbows and hands, finding no proof of a medically chronic condition during or shortly after service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification of the March 2018 specialist's opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any non-service-connected skin conditions with which the Veteran was diagnosed. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a skin disorder, other than tinea pedis, tinea manum, and poikiloderma of civatte.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss or loss of use other than an upper extremity, and he is not service-connected for a severe burn injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, HIV, psoriasis, and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination in the original decision. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin disorder is related to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents while stationed in Vietnam. The examiner needs to provide a clear opinion on this issue.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, but granted service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety. The skin disorders were not found to be related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, left ankle residuals, tonsillitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and right ear hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not show these conditions were related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's PFB is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's GERD and status post recurrent right inguinal hernia repair are both rated at 10 percent.