Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to July 21, 2015 rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and unguium were granted a 60 percent rating effective September 19, 2016. The appeal is remanded for further development.,COPD and variously diagnosed psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) are also being remanded.

The Veteran's eczema is rated at 30 percent since July 5, 2017. The condition affects more than 20 to 40 percent of the exposed areas and requires intermittent systemic therapy (topical corticosteroids).

The Board denied service connection for bilateral tinea pedis, but granted service connection for a left shoulder keloid scar.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is also granted initial ratings of 10 percent for shin splints of the right leg, left leg, folliculitis of the bilateral arms, otitis externa of the left ear, and blepharitis of the left eye.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which include musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. The Board grants special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for schizophrenia is reopened, but the condition is not found to be related to his military service.,Service connection for upper and lower back pain is denied as there is no evidence that the condition began during or was caused by his military service.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus/flat feet is denied because it preexisted his entry into active service and the presumption of soundness applies.,Service connection for ED secondary to sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence showing worsening of the condition due to a service-connected disability.,Service connection for bilateral tinea pedis (Athlete’s Foot) is denied because there is no evidence that it began during or was caused by his military service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA purposes.,Service connection for vertigo is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria to be considered secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and a skin disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various disabilities. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, as well as to assess the severity of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a skin disability, specifically tinea cruris, is granted. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including breathing problems, hypertension, skin cancer, and skin rashes. The heart condition (enlarged heart) was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis or eczema is granted. The Veteran's scars, residual of gunshot wound to the left side, are not entitled to a compensable rating. The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The reduction in hearing loss rating from 20% to 0% is considered void ab initio.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the inability to schedule VA examinations in his current incarceration. The examinations will be conducted by appropriate clinicians who will determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral hearing loss, bilateral foot/heel disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), acne keloidalis nuchae, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right foot disorder, and left foot disorder are granted. The remaining issues of service connection for a right neck mass, claimed as lump on side of neck, and tinea pedis are remanded.

The Board dismissed all issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding his periods of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve service. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, erectile dysfunction, sleep disorder, liver condition (hepatitis C), and papular dermatitis with pruritus of the right forearm.

The Board has remanded both issues due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including a change in disability ratings that may affect SMC eligibility.

The Board denied service connection for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and remanded the issue of service connection for tinea pedis with onychomycosis (claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a link between his current psoriasis and events in service.

The Board has denied service connection for erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and dyshidrotic eczema. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence.