Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis has been rated as noncompensable since service separation. The VA examiner found that the condition affected less than 2% of his body and no exposed areas, but the Veteran disputed this finding, stating he used multiple medications for systemic treatment. The Board granted a compensable rating (10%) based on topical therapy.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to March 1, 2010 and has been rated at 70 percent since that date. The Board granted service connection for Tietze syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, and sebhorrheic dermatitis.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 19, 2001 (for PTSD) and March 29, 2005 (for onychomycosis and tinea pedis) have been denied as there is no evidence showing the Veteran filed a claim before these effective dates.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for right 5th metacarpal fracture, reopening of service connection claims for acne disability and heart murmur were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new ratings or benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected eczema is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination. The RO/AMC will also consider whether the appeal should be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy and chloracne due to herbicide exposure are granted, but his claim for a TDIU is also granted. The Veteran currently has a 70% disability rating for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's current venous insufficiency of the left lower extremity with stasis dermatitis is not related to his military service, including his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The examiner opined that it was more likely due to a history of chronic varicose veins on both lower extremities, specifically on the left.

The Board found that the Veteran's death due to chronic drug use was not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing a direct link between his military service and the cause of death. The medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities were considered but did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea versicolor, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the appellant's military service.

The Veteran's skin conditions have been rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board denied the claims for increased ratings and effective date determinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, as well as his claim for an effective date prior to February 12, 1970 for the grant of service connection for allergic rhinitis, were denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date was warranted due to the Veteran's separation from active duty on February 11, 1970.

The Veteran's tinea cruris affects at most 8 percent of his body and does not require systemic therapy. The Board finds that the symptoms are adequately contemplated by the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination to assess his lumbar spine condition and skin rash, and determining whether service connection should be granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a skin disorder, claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure, previously claimed as a skin disorder of the hands, elbows, and right foot. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider this claim.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a bilateral foot condition was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Psoriasis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset of his conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin diseases are not related to his service, including exposure to herbicides or other chemicals. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's tinea corporis and tinea capitis were not manifested by at least one characteristic of disfigurement, deep or limited motion scar, superficial scar covering an area of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater, unstable or painful superficial scar, a scar causing any limitation of function, or involvement of at least 5 percent of the entire body or of the exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period from November 3, 2007 to October 22, 2008. From October 23, 2008 to January 7, 2009, the Veteran's tinea corporis and tinea capitis were not manifested by at least one characteristic of disfigurement, deep and nonlinear scar, superficial scar covering an area of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater, unstable or painful superficial scar, a scar causing any disabling effects, or involvement of at least 5 percent of the entire body or of the exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and he now has a compensable rating for his right wrist strain. His other claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily his postoperative prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that a grant of TDIU is warranted.