Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to a lack of current disability, finding no evidence of a current skin condition.

The appeals for service connection for a low back disability, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are dismissed due to procedural defects.,The appeal for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, claimed as shave bumps, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating for major depressive disorder, SMC based on housebound status, and DEA eligibility is denied. The Board found that entitlement to these benefits arose after October 5, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions did not prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's psoriasis is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.,However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of being housebound as he does not have a single disability rated 100% disabling with other service-connected independently ratable at 60%, or be permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, finding that the conditions did not have onset during active service or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was characterized by involvement of less than 5 percent of the total area and exposed area, and he was treated with a non-systemic topical antibacterial cream. The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis is granted, while the claims for sinusitis, myopia, cervical spine disability with arthritis, erectile dysfunction, left ankle sprain and Achilles tendon disability, left shoulder sprain, right shoulder sprain, pulled groin, left knee strain, right knee strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right ankle sprain and Achilles tendon disability, left carpal tunnel disability, right carpal tunnel disability, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage), right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage), left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage), and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage) are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is also denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The claims for a skin disability, insomnia, and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board determined that the disability does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record, which includes a VA examination indicating that the condition affects between 5 to 19 percent of the total body area and exposed areas affected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational history.

The Veteran's request for higher-level review was denied as it was untimely filed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had a period of active service from March 2012 to October 2012, and remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claims. The claims are now pending.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has been granted a 30% evaluation. The cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as well as the obstructive sleep apnea, are being remanded for further development. The compensable initial evaluation for folliculitis of the scalp, face, and neck is also being remanded. The SMC claim is part of the pending increased rating claims.