Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection of left knee disability, left ankle disability, and psoriasis. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne, finding that there is no current diagnosis of chloracne and noting that any history of chloracne was based on self-report without positive clinical findings. The Board gave more probative weight to the competent medical evidence.

The Veteran was previously denied TDIU prior to January 25, 2018. Since then, his PTSD symptoms worsened significantly, making it impossible for him to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae and TBI, as well as his claim for a seizure disorder secondary to TBI. The claims are being returned for additional development including obtaining medical records, updating examination reports, and considering new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for eczema of the hands is granted. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot adjudicate the merits of the case as he died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the use of topical corticosteroids and whether it constitutes systemic therapy.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left foot onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis B, acne, and HIV due to failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. Additional development is needed including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling new examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for sleep apnea and COPD with left pleural reaction and bronchial asthma is dismissed. The Veteran's seborrheic eczema remains at a 60 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider all relevant evidence. The Veteran's left foot disabilities are related to service, but not necessarily due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, PFB, left thumb arthritis, and associated surgical scarring were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a neck disability. Service connection was not established for PFB or left thumb arthritis. Ratings for left thumb arthritis prior to September 12, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, were also denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's skin disorder, including psoriasis, may have started in service and is related to her current condition. However, more evidence is needed for a definitive decision.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis, Bell's palsy, psoriasis, eczema, TMJ dysfunction, and anxiety have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year of separation.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities from October 13, 2010, but no earlier. The TDIU is granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service exposure and continuous presence since active duty.,Service connection for chloracne and renal dysfunction is denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction (due to herbicide agent exposure) is denied based on the VA examiner's opinion that age is more likely contributing factor.,Service connection for hepatitis C (due to herbicide agent exposure) is denied based on the VA examiner's opinion that it is not a presumed condition of exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during or related to his military service.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain was rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under current criteria. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the clinical findings and functional limitations reported by the Veteran.,For dermatitis/eczema prior to May 10, 2018, the Veteran's claim was denied as there was no evidence of its onset during service or related to his military service. The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted based on the clinical findings and treatment records provided.,For dermatitis/eczema from May 10, 2018 onwards, the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating was remanded as there were no new or material evidence to reopen his case. The Board found that a 10 percent disability rating is warranted based on the clinical findings and treatment records provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung condition, prostatic hyperplasia, skin rashes, and head acne due to inadequate opinions regarding presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for eczema prior to October 21, 2019 was denied. From October 21, 2019, the claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for eczema was also denied.