Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's eczema has not involved at least 5 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, and no intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids was required. Therefore, an initial compensable rating for eczema is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoriasis and anxiety disorder are service-connected, with the anxiety disorder being linked to his psoriasis.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis has not affected more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, and she has not required constant or near-constant systemic therapy during any past 12-month period. Therefore, her claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for nummular eczema, comedones, and folliculitis. The Veteran's new keloids of the upper chest and scalp, as well as petechiae, are not found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and low back disorder, but remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for gastroparesis, folliculitis, and glaucoma prior to May 14, 2009 are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's chloracne is presumed to be related to his Vietnam service due to herbicide exposure. However, the claim is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if the condition can also be linked directly to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the likelihood of service connection for headaches and skin condition.

The Veteran's contact dermatitis and acne were found to be service-connected, with the acne being aggravated by active service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for contact dermatitis was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae prior to July 28, 2009 was denied. From July 28, 2009 onwards, the Veteran is rated at 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service, while his chloracne is not considered due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's skin disability, specifically pseudofolliculitis barbae and eczema, was rated at 30 percent from July 6, 2010 to July 24, 2013. From July 25, 2013 forward, the rating increased to 60 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for tinea versicolor and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been received. The Veteran's skin disorder is presumed to have been related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's skin rash and left knee disorder were not granted. The skin rash was found to be less than the required percentage for a compensable rating prior to September 4, 2013, and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating since that date. The left knee disorder was also not shown in service or related to service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated noncompensable, while his right knee disability claim has been reopened but remains denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the right knee disability claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims for sleep apnea and psoriasis are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic folliculitis, including furuncles and carbuncles, is related to his active service.