The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent for eczema was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a 60 percent rating under DC 7806, and thus denied the claim. The issue of service connection for pes planus is remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran's eczema affected more than 40% of his body or exposed areas, nor did it indicate constant or near-constant systemic therapy over any 12-month period. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted under either the old or new criteria for DC 7806.
- Claimed conditions
- eczema, pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 23, 2019
- Citation
- 19131519
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for eczema, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's eczema is related to herbicide agent exposure in service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back, right ring finger, and left foot hallux valgus disabilities but granted an initial 30 percent rating for pes planus from August 17, 2021, a 50 percent rating for pes planus from December 15, 2023, and a separate 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis from August 17, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a left foot disability to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding an inadequate October 2024 VA examination.
- Partly granted
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection and denied increased ratings for various disabilities, but granted a separate rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy from October 20, 2020.
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