Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for partial paralysis of the ulnar nerve with mild flexion contracture of the right fifth finger was dismissed. The Board also remanded cases regarding service connection for a low back disorder, compensable ratings for eczema and acne.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for psoriasis and arthritis of the index fingers due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s psoriasis.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an increased rating for psoriasis, keratosis, solar keratosis, and lentigo, as well as service connection for a skin disease other than psoriasis, keratosis, solar keratosis, and lentigo. The issues are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for eczema from August 19, 2015 to July 24, 2018 and denied any rating in excess of 10 percent since July 25, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and review. The appeals are not related to service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

Service connection is granted for type two diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and folliculitis. The issues of increased ratings for ankle and knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss, pharyngitis, acne, or a chronic disability manifested by an abnormal lab result for VA purposes. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic foot fungus (tinea pedis) is granted. The claim for service connection for anxiety disorder is denied. The Veteran's increased ratings for PTSD with mood disorder due to medical condition, and his claims for service connection for sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for low back condition is denied. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is granted. A rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for residuals of broken right thumb is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial disability rating have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's scalp scars are rated at 30% based on two characteristics of disfigurement, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7800.,The Veteran’s painful or unstable scars are currently rated at 30%, as there is no evidence of both instability and pain in any scar. The highest possible evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804 remains 30%.,Non-linear scars of the chest, back, shoulders, and bilateral thighs/groin do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.

The Board has added the issue of entitlement to service connection for cold injury residuals to this appeal and has ordered a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of the Veteran’s claimed lower extremity disorders.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor is rated under the current rating criteria, and a remand is ordered to clarify the total body area affected by his service-connected skin disability and determine whether topical corticosteroids affect his body as a whole in treating his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine DJD and eczema dyshidrosis, finding that the evidence did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's residuals of left ring finger fracture and pseudofolliculitis barbae are service connected. However, the Board has found that more evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate examinations and for obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include lumbar spine, left hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, and tinea pedis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin disorder is related to his active service, including herbicide exposure. A VA examination is needed to provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, colitis, sleep apnea, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae/sycosis barbae were reopened due to new evidence. The claims for allergic rhinitis, colitis, and sleep apnea remain denied, while the claims for tinnitus and pseudofolliculitis barbae/sycosis barbae are granted.