Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2009

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and an initial rating of 30 percent for dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing back condition was aggravated by service. The dermatitis is rated at the next higher percentage based on its extent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 18, 2003. Service connection for tinea cruris was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's psoriasis is currently rated at 10% and has been increased to 30%. The condition affects less than 20% of her entire body or exposed areas, but causes significant daily life impact.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne as part of an immune complex disease, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection is also granted for subacute peripheral neuropathy, but the Board finds that it is not related to presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's eczematoid dermatitis was rated as noncompensable prior to May 29, 2009, and thereafter at a 10 percent rating. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and reopening of a previously denied claim were both denied. The denial on the increased disability rating claim is due to lack of new and material evidence, while the denial on the reopening claim is because there was no evidence relating to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, chronic tinnitus, and chronic skin disorder (including chloracne) are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating as it has not affected 20 to 40 percent of his exposed areas or required systemic therapy such as corticosteroids.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, insulin dependent, and hypertension are not rated higher than the current evaluations of 40 percent and 10 percent respectively. The Veteran's tinea pedis is not compensable.

The Veteran's skin condition is being remanded for further examination and development due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and Tinnitus were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an initial compensable rating for recurrent tinea cruris with hyperpigmented changes, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, chronic tinnitus, and chronic skin disorder (including chloracne) are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin conditions, including eczema, vitiligo, alopecia, and discoid lupus erythematosus, were not shown to be related to his active service. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's skin disability, including jungle rot and psoriasis, is found to be related to service. However, there is no evidence of soft tissue sarcoma in service or currently.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinea pedis is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether his pre-existing condition worsened during service.

The Veteran's bilateral onychomycosis and tinea pedis of the toes and feet have been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 28, 2009. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to this date.