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

The Veteran's psoriasis is currently rated at 60 percent, the highest schedular award possible. The Board finds that he does not meet criteria for a higher rating as his condition has been stable and does not warrant an increase in evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorder, specifically psoriasis, is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has a current diagnosis of psoriasis that was incurred during active duty. The Board finds service connection for the residuals of injuries to the head, face, ears, neck, and left arm is warranted based on direct evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae involved more than 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas, but did not require systemic therapy nor cause disfigurement. Therefore, an initial 60 percent disability rating was granted since October 18, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated, and the Board has determined that none of them warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the appellant's psoriasis was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for herpes, verruca vulgaris, shin splints, tinea vesicular, sinusitis, respiratory condition/rhinitis, seasonal rhinitis, bronchitis, headaches and venereal warts due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's skin disability, including tinea pedis and dyshidrosis of the hands and feet, is not service-connected as it was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service. The Board finds that the current skin disorder is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertensive vascular disease.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis has been rated as noncompensable since June 2006. The condition is currently inactive and does not involve exposed areas or require systemic therapy, thus warranting a noncompensable rating under the applicable diagnostic criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudo folliculitis barbae did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to April 2, 2010. From that date onward, his condition was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin disability and headaches, including migraines, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection and rating for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for chronic dermatitis and degenerative changes of the left tarsal metatarsal joints was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for chronic dermatitis, effective September 21, 2006.

The RO denied service connection for chloracne in June 1997, finding no direct or presumptive link to the Veteran's military service. The claim was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues have been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the severity of her service-connected atopic dermatitis and whether she has received systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Veteran's skin allergies were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the preexisting condition did not increase in severity during service and was resolved without residuals.

The Veteran's schizophrenia and psoriasis prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 8, 2003. Effective May 9, 1989 (the date of his claim), he was granted TDIU based on these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is denied because he has not been granted service connection for a disability requiring the use of ointments that may cause damage to his clothing.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and issuing a statement of the case for increased evaluations.