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

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death and did not reach a decision on the merits of either issue.

The Veteran's tinea unguium of the toenails and right ear hearing loss have been granted with a 10 percent rating each. The effective date is March 8, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding medical records. The issues of increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, are also being addressed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional examinations and development of his service-connected disabilities, including the effects on his employment. The RO must also adjudicate any increased rating claims related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected atopic dermatitis, eczematoid type, has resulted in such an exceptional disability picture with related factors as marked interference with employment, to render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards; this disability has resulted in total occupational impairment. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for the service-connected skin disability, on an extraschedular basis, effective from the date of the claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, as he had been receiving a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for over ten years prior to his death.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, joint pain, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's claim for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and toenail onychomycosis are currently rated at 10 percent effective July 31, 2012. The issue of a separate compensable evaluation for the post-surgical right great toe scar is addressed in the remand section.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The skin disorder claim was remanded and remains pending.

The Veteran's skin disabilities of folliculitis and discoid lupus erythematosus have been rated at 30 percent since September 25, 2009. This rating is in line with the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent each for folliculitis and discoid lupus erythematosus prior to September 25, 2009, and in excess of 30 percent total thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance (A&A) has been denied as he is not shown to be in need of such care.

The Veteran's skin conditions, specifically post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the upper back and shoulders and folliculitis, are not service-connected as they are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and additional development is needed before the claims can be decided on the merits.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records, private provider records, Social Security Administration records, and a VA examination for both skin disorders and psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable rating prior to February 10, 2012, and in excess of 60 percent from February 10, 2012, for dermatitis.

Service connection is granted for dermatitis of the right leg. The Veteran's current liver cysts are not shown to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder. Service connection for a heart disorder/disorder, to include chest palpitations/pain and a murmur, is denied as there is no evidence of such condition in service or continuity since service.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since December 1, 2006. The condition covers between 5 and 15 percent of his body.

The Veteran's skin disorder, tinea cruris, neurodermatitis, and lichen simplex chronicus is rated at 30 percent. A separate 10 percent rating is assigned for two painful scars on the thighs. The claim to reopen his claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as untimely.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling new VA examinations. The issues of increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and tinea pedis are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's skin conditions, including chloracne and skin cancer.