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

The Veteran's competency is restored, he is granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and his rating for migraines is increased to 60 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for service-connected atopic dermatitis has been granted, with an effective date of December 2022. A separate grant of TDIU based on PTSD alone is also in effect since November 26, 2014. Special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to additional disabilities rated at 80 percent disabling from April 30, 2018 has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that his service-connected disabilities increased to preclude substantially gainful employment within one year prior to the date of his claim.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has been granted an initial 20 percent rating, but no higher. The claim for TDIU prior to September 14, 2022 is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's left hip strain is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and a rating of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, and acne skin condition due to insufficient evidence of service connection. The Veteran participated in toxic exposure risk activities during her service.

The Veteran's appeal for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as none of his service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for such benefits. The appeal for an allowance for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment only was also denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it was incurred in service.,Bilateral hearing loss and PFB are denied as there is no evidence of current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for service-connected bilateral athlete's foot and for a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal to service connection for eczema was dismissed because the April 2023 VA Form 10182 was an improper concurrent election seeking to appeal the December 2021 rating decision, denying entitlement to service connection for eczema.

Service connection for chloracne is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection for hypertension is granted on PACT Act basis, presuming it's related to herbicide agent exposure.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded as the decision was not clear on this issue.,Service connection for hypertension on any other bases than PACT Act is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for initial compensable ratings and service connection due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities, bilateral plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, pseudo folliculitis, ankle disorders, shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, jock itch, adjustment disorder with anxiety, acid reflux, athlete's foot and toenail fungus, and epiphora. The Board found no current diagnoses for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease (claimed as neck pain) and folliculitis of the posterior scalp with associated occipital lymphadenopathy, effective January 26, 2021.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, eczema, cervical disability, and back disability due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.