Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2012

The Board finds that the current neurogenic dermatitis of the upper extremities is due to nervous manifestations likely attributable to service-connected PTSD, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's skin disability to include eczema, acne and hydradenitis was rated at 30 percent disabling prior to October 16, 2009. Since October 16, 2009, the disability is rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's cystic acne is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it affects less than 40% of his total body area and less than 5% of exposed areas. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin, left hip and low back disabilities did not have their onset during service or are otherwise related to military service. The Veteran's sciatica was characterized by subjective complaints but no gross motor abnormalities.

The Board has awarded an initial 10 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected eczema, effective February 1, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and chronic folliculitis of the scalp were denied as there was no evidence of persistent bleeding, secondary anemia, or fissures for hemorrhoids, nor deep acne affecting less than 40 percent of the face or neck for folliculitis.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and tinnitus, finding that these conditions were incurred during his military service. The other issues related to esophageal ulcer, duodenal condition, hypertension, dermatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and fatigue have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eczema was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty and is not proximately due to or the result of service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne and right and left knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. The claim for keratosis and hyperkeratosis (claimed as dry skin, tunnels in and under skin, wart-like growths on the feet, extra dry hands, and skin cancer) has been reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's asthma has been granted an initial 30 percent rating effective October 6, 2011. The left tibia stress fracture and bilateral myopia, plantar fasciitis, and eczema have not resulted in a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for reflex sympathetic dystrophy and psoriasis, both of which were previously denied. The decision is based on the submission of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected eczema.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he failed to appear at the scheduled VA examination and did not provide good cause.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea/pseudofolliculitis barbae and a low back disorder due to lack of evidence of current disability attributable to these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for TBI and increased rating for atypical dermatitis have been granted. The Veteran is currently rated with a 10% disability rating for atypical dermatitis, effective from December 6, 2010.

The Board found no relationship between any in-service skin disorder and the Veteran's post-service development of shingles, concluding that service connection for shingles is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, joint pain, and skin rashes is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service. The exposure basis is presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's currently-diagnosed psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and left knee patellar chondromalacia. The conditions are linked to his in-service injury and permanent aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea manuum and onychomycosis of the fingernails. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dermatitis of the feet is deferred until a new disability rating can be assigned in conjunction with the newly service-connected condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for folliculitis of the scalp.