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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for tinea pedis and fibromyalgia, as well as his claim for service connection for sebaceous cysts. The decision found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for tinea pedis or an increased disability rating for fibromyalgia. Service connection for sebaceous cysts was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and service personnel records.

The Veteran's PFB was granted a 10 percent evaluation effective December 14, 2011. His bilateral foot disability has been rated as moderately severe and is currently assigned a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was rated at 10 percent prior to February 23, 2012 and granted a 30 percent rating effective from that date.,For the period after February 23, 2012, the Veteran's right foot condition with tendonitis of the extensor tendons and pes planus with bunions was rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claim for a rating higher than 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's skin condition involves abnormal texture, hyperpigmentation, and scarring on his neck, chin, and cheeks.

The Veteran's skin disability, including tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis, has been manifested by near-constant use of systemic therapy since June 2, 2009. The Board grants a 60 percent rating for the Veteran's skin disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for folliculitis of the scalp and right shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board finds that a skin disorder of the left leg, diagnosed as tinea pedis and onychomycosis, was incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, skin disorders, and hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for numbness of the hands, psoriasis, a lower extremity disability, an undiagnosed respiratory disorder, and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation to determine his eligibility for assistance in the purchase of automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatological disorder, manifested by a rash or dermatitis of the hands, is a chronic disability pattern which is diagnosable but medically unexplained and without conclusive pathophysiology or etiology. The condition first manifested during his service in the Persian Gulf War and continues to this day.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, eczema at 10 percent prior to November 17, 2011 and onychomycosis and pseudofolliculitis barbae are each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated as 20 percent disabling for limitation of extension, but not higher. The Veteran is also in receipt of a separate noncompensable rating for limitation of flexion and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee laxity/instability. A higher initial rating is denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA dermatologist's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current skin conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected skin disability.

The Veteran's skin disability, including candidiasis of the feet with tinea pedis and hyperhidrosis, has not been found to warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including headaches, spine conditions, and hand/tendon disorders. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an opinion on the impact of these disabilities on employment.