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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for contact dermatitis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disability, and diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct or presumptive service connection due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for a chronic skin disorder to include chloracne and eczema, an initial disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression, and an effective date prior to January 5, 2006, for the award of service connection for PTSD with depression. The appeal is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a dose estimate of his total exposure to ionizing radiation due to his work duties and all sources of ionizing radiation (including alpha, beta, gamma and neutron).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder of the bilateral feet, claimed as residuals of immersion foot, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of the assigned disability ratings.

The Board denied service connection for acne vulgaris and residuals of right shoulder surgery, finding no evidence of in-service treatment or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a chest injury and hyperlipidemia prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The skin disability was not shown to cover more than 20% of the body or affect more than 20% of exposed areas, and treatment consisted of topical ointments prior to December 5, 2006. From December 5, 2006 through September 29, 2010, the Veteran's skin disability was assigned a maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7806. Since September 30, 2010, the Veteran's skin disability has been assigned an 80% rating, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7800.,The Veteran's right thumb disability was not shown to have a gap of more than one to two inches between the thumb pad and fingers prior to May 14, 2003. Since May 14, 2003, the Veteran's right thumb disability has been manifested by pain but no other objective evidence of functional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for atypical dermatophytosis has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no competent evidence of these conditions during or after his military service.

The Veteran's lichen planus and nummular eczema have been rated at 10 percent since July 10, 2007. The condition affects less than 20% of his body but more than 5%, with intensive light therapy or systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more during the past 12-month period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss effective from October 6, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his lumbar spine disability, including any associated neurologic symptoms. Additionally, he is seeking an increased evaluation for this condition and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain Social Security Administration records and further medical examinations regarding his skin conditions, PTSD, and boils.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a skin disorder of the groin, legs, and feet. The flat feet issue remains pending as it was remanded.

The Veteran's skin condition, including contact dermatitis and eczema, is being remanded for further development as the current VA examination did not address the etiology of these conditions during an active stage.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for psuedofolliculitis barbae and periodontal disease, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and an inadequate VA examination. The RO must attempt to obtain the Veteran's missing STRs, provide him with information on alternative sources of evidence, schedule him for a new VA examination, and review his claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to January 1, 2002. From January 1, 2002, he meets the schedular criteria but they do not render him unemployable.