Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sciatic disorder is dismissed as the condition is already included in the residuals of stroke granted service connection and awarded a 100 percent disability rating.,Service connection for kidney stones is denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition began during active service or was related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 60 percent for incontinence is denied as he is already receiving the highest available rating based on his disability.,Service connection for dermatitis is denied because the Veteran does not have more than 40% of exposed areas affected, and systemic therapy is not required.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for seizures is granted as he meets the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis of a nerve.,Service connection for slurred speech is denied because it does not meet the criteria for a separate disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, pityriasis rosea, tinea of the groin and feet, and stasis dermatitis are all granted service connection. The low back disability is presumed to have been incurred in service due to combat-related injuries. Service connection for the other conditions is based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's reported stressor involving a fellow service member. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's skin condition including dermatomycosis and pseudofolliculitis barbae are granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendon/ankle disability, costochondritis, and cervical spine disability are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied service connection for left hand CMC joint arthritis, back disorder, skin disorder (psoriasis), anxiety disorder, right ankle disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and seizure disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Further examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran’s current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including skin disability (chloracne), hyperhidrosis, fibromyalgia, bilateral knee disability, lumbar spine disability, epistaxis, and eye disability. The AOJ is instructed to complete all requested actions from the August 2018 remand.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of increased ratings for chloracne and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are now pending with the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, and he is also entitled to TDIU. The tinea rashes claim remains pending as the Veteran was not examined for this issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ulcerative colitis and depression, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for ES TDIU.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 14, 2008 for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disability and an acne disability, but granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder.,Service connection was not established for the right elbow disability due to lack of in-service injury or diagnosis. The acne disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of pre-existing condition prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since November 27, 2013. The Board granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus is dismissed.,Service connection is granted for a lower-gastrointestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome).,Service connection is denied for sleep issues and disturbances (insomnia/dyssomnia, sleep apnea).,Service connection is denied for acne.,Service connection is denied for keloid scars.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for atopic dermatitis due to new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck disability and remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for acne keloidalis involving the back of the scalp.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist condition was denied, and the appeal is dismissed.,Service connection for a back condition has been reopened due to new evidence. The Board found that the Veteran’s back condition was aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.,Service connection for psoriasis has been granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his right knee disability and psychiatric conditions.,The claim for service connection for arthritis (secondary to right knee disability) is remanded. The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the arthritis is a progression of the service-connected right knee condition.,Service connection for a psychiatric condition (depression) has been granted as it is at least as likely as not aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his right knee disability and psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations to assess the current severity of his left knee degenerative arthritis and right knee with instability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, and to determine if extraschedular consideration is warranted. The AOJ should also obtain up-to-date VA treatment records.