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

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and further development is required before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected nummular eczema.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing cystic acne did not chronically worsen during service, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for a chronic skin disorder (other than bilateral foot dermatitis) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were denied as they did not have their onset during active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected dyshydrotic eczema and tinea pedis have not resulted in any visible manifestations or required systemic therapy, thus preventing a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected rosacea and acne have been rated at 10 percent since February 2009, considering the current disability level of less than 20% of exposed areas affected.

The Veteran's eczema was rated at a noncompensable level prior to March 12, 2012 and at a 10 percent level from that date forward. The Board found the evidence did not support ratings higher than these levels.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities, crush injury to the right great toe, tinea versicolor and PTSD did not warrant higher disability evaluations.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the award of a TDIU and eligibility for DEA benefits, both effective March 18, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, and seborrheic dermatitis in the groin area is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the service connection claims for various conditions, including eczema, ruptured left ovarian cyst, diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), headaches, menstrual irregularities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has directed further development due to VCAA notice deficiencies and the need for medical opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy. The case is remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating for his service-connected back disability or tinea cru, and also determined that he was not entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims were denied, with the exception of his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The remaining claims were either not granted or are pending further review.

The Veteran's appeal to establish the timeliness of his NOD with the August 2008 rating decision is granted. The case is REMANDED for issuance of a SOC addressing the merits of the service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran was diagnosed with contact dermatitis in service, but does not have a current disability of contact dermatitis for VA compensation purposes. The Board finds that the Veteran's recent assertion of flare-ups prior to or during adjudication is not credible and concludes there is no evidence of a current condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a skin disorder, specifically chloracne. The claim is now substantiated as chloracne is presumptively associated with herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's skin conditions, acid reflux disorder, and vision problems are all found to be related to his active duty service. However, the Veteran's claims for athlete's foot and jock itch were not supported by credible evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing due to the Veteran's request and is willing to appear in person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected eczematous and seborrheic dermatitis. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.