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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis is related to his military service and granted this claim. However, there is no evidence of a current skin or nail disability other than tinea pedis that can be linked to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to administrative delays and incomplete consideration of relevant criteria. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae will be reconsidered under the proper rating criteria.

The Veteran's PFB was incurred during service and is currently in remission. His bilateral pes planus pre-existed service but did not become permanently aggravated by military service. The Veteran's right knee disability has been granted a rating of 10 percent since August 1, 2007, with an increased rating to 20 percent from March 25, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tinea versicolor and dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability was rated at 30 percent prior to January 31, 2012 and at 60 percent thereafter. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met in either period.

The Board denied service connection for onychomycosis and dermatitis, both claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any chronic skin conditions related to his military service.

The Veteran's psoriasis is rated at 60 percent, effective from the date of this decision. His psoriatic arthritis does not meet criteria for a higher rating under DC 5009.

The Veteran's skin disability, specifically chloracne with lesion and disfiguring scars of the face, neck, and pubic area, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current right foot disability related to his service, and finds that his pes planus was pre-existing. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation during service or post-service development of other current right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues include service connection claims and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoriasis is related to his military service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis in both hands, finding that the current diagnoses are related to service. The appeal for other conditions and issues is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for seborrheic dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of the presumption of soundness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin condition, specifically tinea pedis and tinea cruris, was incurred or aggravated during his service in the Persian Gulf. The decision is based on the presumption of service connection for conditions arising from exposure to combat conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding his employability and an examination report from February 11, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The issues on appeal include entitlement to increased ratings for neurodermatitis disseminata and fascial defect and anterior medial scar of the right lower extremity with degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was granted effective June 15, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date due to his employment status and medical conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including chloracne. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran had chloracne within one year of his presumed exposure to herbicides during service and to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, hearing loss, and headaches have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence. The remaining issues remain denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, and tinea cruris have no in-service disease or injury to which they may be related.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and therefore he is not entitled to a TDIU.