Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's current bilateral hammertoes are caused by his service-connected bilateral pes planus with left hallux valgus, and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition as secondary to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and tinea cruris and pedis were denied as new and material evidence was not received. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, mild tympanisclerosis of the left tympanic membrane, and residuals of a right eyelid shrapnel wound remains denied.,The Veteran has raised claims for TDIU which are inextricably intertwined with his service connection and increased rating claims.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence of current Peyronie's disease, heart disability, degenerative arthritis of the shoulders, or eczema of the hands. The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's skin condition, low back disability, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were all found to not warrant higher initial ratings under applicable criteria.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, and a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disorders is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The issue of an initial compensable rating for tinea pedis remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for psoriasis has been denied by the Board. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder, as well as eczema, are denied. The evidence does not support the need for higher ratings under current rating criteria.

The Veteran's somatization disorder with PTSD is rated at 100 percent, rendering moot his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). His claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance was withdrawn.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 60 percent disability rating for his service-connected skin condition, finding that the reduction was improper due to lack of improvement in the underlying disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and those related to asbestos exposure, are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a right eye disorder and granted service connection for prostatitis, but denied an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for cystic acne prior to September 28, 2010; and in excess of 30 percent from September 28, 2010 forward.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorder and hearing loss.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, eczema, and hemorrhoids are all service-connected. The decision also addressed whether a timely notice of disagreement was filed for her left knee disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current skin conditions to his military service or any presumptive exposure to herbicides. The Board also found that the Veteran's lay assertions were not credible and did not provide sufficient medical evidence to establish a link between his service-connected psychiatric condition and his skin disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing tinea pedis did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and psoriasis of the hands, shins, and feet, finding that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence in favor of these claims.,Both conditions are presumed to have arisen during active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for folliculitis/rash, hypertension (secondary to PTSD), residuals of left knee injury, disability manifested by muscle aches from shoulder to head, disability manifested by blood in urine and bowel movements, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome/numbness. The decision is based on the lack of credible evidence linking any current skin disease to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with a history of bipolar disorder, along with his other conditions, warrants an increased disability rating and TDIU from October 28, 1993 to June 3, 2008. The Veteran also received SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.