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

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for a right femur fracture were not reimbursable by VA because he was covered under Medicare A, which disqualifies him from reimbursement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee pain with arthritis, left knee arthritis, glaucoma, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and Zenker's diverticulum. The appeals were based on new and material evidence.

The claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete information, inadequate medical opinions, and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression and Behcet's syndrome, require the aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration of his service connection claims, including a request for supplemental opinions from the May 2013 VA examiner or an appropriate substitute.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board videoconference hearing due to his request for such. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and an increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and hemorrhoids were denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of bilateral ankle injuries is considered 'unknown' as it does not appear to be the primary focus of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lichen planus with secondary folliculitis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected eczema disability, rated at 60 percent, did not render him unemployable as his other non-service-connected disabilities and overall health condition were the primary reasons for his inability to work.

The Veteran's skin disorder, characterized by dermatitis and areas of hypopigmentation affecting less than 20 percent of the entire body and less than 5 percent of exposed areas with no more than topical therapy required for treatment, warrants a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for dermatitis with scars (claimed as eczema) is denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for neurodermatitis and finds that it was incurred in active service. The Veteran's neurodermatitis of the head, face, neck, chest, and groin had its onset during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability, to include folliculitis of the right foot, is being remanded due to inadequate examination and need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA skin examination as the July 2010 VA examination did not address areas of the body other than his feet that are affected by the service-connected xerosis with ichthyosis. The Veteran has reported skin rashes affecting his head, feet, legs, trunk, and groin.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, in-service occurrence, and continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for eczema of the bilateral feet and ankles is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for increased ratings on four issues: lumbar strain and chronic low back pain with spondylosis, tinea cruris, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine.