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

The Veteran's skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and dermatitis, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are unrelated to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition, other than chloracne and lipomas; lipomas on the back; and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or combat experiences. The Veteran's pre-existing scars from surgically removed cysts were not aggravated by service, and his current diagnosed psychiatric condition was not shown during service or for years thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatologic disability of the feet and scalp is service-connected, but his cervical spine, bilateral hip/ pelvic, and bilateral ankle disabilities are not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Veteran's skin disability, furunculosis and folliculitis, is manifested by pain, itching, and lesions but did not require systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs. The predominant disability of the Veteran's furunculosis and folliculitis is the active lesion eruptions affecting the skin.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, claimed as chloracne, to include as secondary to exposure to herbicides, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PFB was rated at 30 percent effective January 13, 2013. The rating is for the period from January 13, 2013, to October 23, 2013.

The Veteran's skin, headache, and gastrointestinal disorders have been granted service connection with initial ratings of 10 percent for the skin disorder, 30 percent for headaches prior to January 29, 2013, and 10 percent thereafter for the gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's right index finger disability and assigned a 10 percent rating effective from August 23, 2004. The claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss was also addressed but not resolved in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current seizures or a skin disorder of the feet, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule the appellant's requested travel board hearing. The appeal is now pending for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial, noncompensable disability rating for service-connected tinea cruris and hidradenitis with sebaceous cysts and cutaneous abscesses has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected eczema is granted, effective May 23, 2011. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's skin disability, diagnosed as eczema, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to no active rash and minimal impact on daily activities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing claims file and service personnel records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, as well as his claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae are still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder was not incurred or aggravated by active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The initial compensable evaluation for psoriasis is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA skin and scars examination. The Veteran's TDIU rating claim is also being developed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and earlier effective date for nummular eczema was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating or that he had a pre-existing condition prior to June 29, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated medical records.

The Veteran's scarring of the lower jawline and neck due to pseudofolliculitis barbae is manifested by a scarred area consisting of approximately 20 one-millimeter papular fibrotic lesions that are elevated or depressed, with symptoms of itching and inability to shave. The VA rating criteria adequately describe his disability level and symptomatology.