Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his neck disability and skin disability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating during either period.,The Veteran's earlier effective date claims for increased ratings of radiculopathy of the right upper extremity (RUE) and left upper extremity (LUE) have also been granted, but with no change in his current disability ratings.

The Veteran's rating for his service-connected bilateral hyperkeratinization and eczema of the feet was reduced from 60% to noncompensable effective October 1, 2019. The criteria for a compensable rating are not met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues related to the Veteran's skin disability prior to October 16, 2012. The RO is directed to obtain relevant private treatment records and provide a VA examination to assess the extent of any disfigurement, flare-ups, systemic therapy use, and scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including other trauma and stressor related disorder, lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, dermatitis of the neck, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since September 17, 2016. The Veteran's combined service-connected rating was 80 percent at that time. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is established as of September 17, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's PFB rating remains under review.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, OSA, and hypertension are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected DM II and PTSD.,The Veteran's dermatitis is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected DM II and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability, diagnosed as dermatitis, eczema, and lichen planus, is related to service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a skin condition, diagnosed as dermatitis of the scalp, is granted. The Board also finds remand necessary to determine if the Veteran's skin condition on his arm had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae with disfigurement due to scarring is granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The appeal for service connection of mental health condition, right foot gout, and aid and attendance allowance are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, a low back disability, and tinea pedis/onychomycosis. The Veteran's claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's skin rashes and neurodermatitis are not service-connected.,The Veteran's tinea pedis of the feet is rated as noncompensable under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service and rejecting the theory of continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology, particularly in relation to service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for acne scars on his face and neck, finding no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that would support such a claim.

Service connection for a left knee disorder is denied.,Service connection for acquired allergies, including eczema, urticaria, rash, and hives, is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability, OSA, and seborrheic dermatitis. The Veteran's initial rating of 10 percent for seborrheic dermatitis is also granted.