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

The Veteran's tinea pedis with intertrigo has been well controlled with topical anti-fungal cream, and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depressive disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, a skin rash, and an eye disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence to support these conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and associated peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU are met.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg cause persistent edema that is completely relieved by elevation, incipient stasis pigmentation, aching and fatigue in the affected extremity. The right leg varicose veins cause intermittent edema, incipient stasis pigmentation, aching and fatigue.,The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations are denied as his disability picture does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 7120.

The Veteran's service-connected folliculitis, claimed as cutaneous leishmaniasis, has been rated at 10 percent since June 16, 1992.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a grant of service connection and a 10 percent rating for chronic dermatitis is dismissed. The claim for an increased disability rating for chronic dermatitis has been granted with a 60% rating effective April 19, 2007.

The Veteran's death was caused by pancreatic cancer, but the Board finds that his service-connected coronary artery disease substantially contributed to his death. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, with no presumption of service connection due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for lichen planus and post-operative residuals of a parotid tumor were denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service or any other basis provided by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a tinea pedis claim has been reopened. The remaining issues on appeal are REMANDED for further development and consideration.,Issues including effective dates, service connection for lung cancer, post radiation dermatitis, coronary artery disease, postoperative scarring, and post radiation dermatitis of the chest wall remain unresolved.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and hypertension, finding no competent medical evidence to support these claims. The Veteran was not diagnosed with either condition during or after his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal and neurologic disabilities, including hip disability, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy of the lower extremities, neck disability, bilateral knee disability, cervical radiculopathy, right thumb sprain residuals, left ankle sprain residuals, and dermatitis have been denied. The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is not considered to be a proximate cause of these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine with spondylolisthesis of L4-L5 and mild dextroscoliosis with history of lumbar strain is rated at 10 percent prior to May 28, 2011.,Service connection for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine with spondylolisthesis of L4-L5 and mild dextroscoliosis with history of lumbar strain prior to May 28, 2011 was denied.,Service connection for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine with spondylolisthesis of L4-L5 and mild dextroscoliosis with history of lumbar strain on and after May 28, 2011 was granted.,Service connection for a neck disorder (claimed as arthritis of the neck) was denied.,Service connection for a bilateral hand disorder (claimed as arthritis) was denied.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly pension and increased rating are being remanded to allow for additional development of his medical records, including those from private doctors. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess the severity of his candidiasis of the feet with tinea pedis and hyperhidrosis, as well as whether he meets the requirements for SMP at the aid and attendance or housebound rate.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a VA examination report and the need for additional development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions allegedly related to cold injuries sustained during his military service in Korea. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining unit history and morning reports from relevant periods.

The Veteran's fungal infections tinea corporis and cruris are not shown to affect an area of at least five percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or exposed area, or require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period. As a result, he is not entitled to a compensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis warrants a 10% rating effective March 17, 2010, based on its manifestations and treatment requirements.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral lower extremity condition, including as due to PTSD with major depression or psoriasis, is being remanded for additional development. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for psoriasis is also being referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU benefits are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities, especially bilateral hearing loss, are severe enough to prevent him from gainful employment.