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

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae has been granted a 10% rating, but the claim for a sleep disorder remains unresolved.

The Veteran's left wrist sprain and tendonitis are found to be related to his active service. Service connection is granted for this condition. The remaining knee, shoulder, and eye disorders are not found to be directly related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his service-connected back disability, bilateral foot disability, left shoulder disability, and eczema have been granted. The decision also addressed right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the back disability.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of chronic acne during the appeal period, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea corporis was denied by the Board. The skin condition affects less than 20 percent of the exposed areas and approximately 5 percent of the total body, with no systemic therapy required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral foot and hernia disabilities were not aggravated by service, and he does not currently have folliculitis or encephalitis. Therefore, his claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active military service and he has a current skin disability, including recurrent skin abscesses. The Board finds that the Veteran's tinea pedis may be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for tinea pedis and tinea cruris is dismissed. The claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, including cervical spine/neck disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right hip disorder, was denied as new and material evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorders are not attributable to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on a diagnosis meeting VA regulations and a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The appeals regarding acne and lung cancer are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has determined that a comprehensive dermatological examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's multiple skin disorders, including any relationship to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae, including any scars and their impact on motion or pain. The case will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disability, claimed as dermatitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing acne was aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne was denied. His claims for solar elastosis, actinic damage, open comedones and basal cell carcinoma are pending as they may be related to sun exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, including a skin disorder and knee disability. The Board has ordered remand due to the need for additional development regarding the nature and etiology of his current skin disorder.

The Veteran's tinea pedis is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his right leg disorder, GERD, and peptic ulcer disease.

The Veteran's hearing loss and skin disability were not found to be related to service, and the Board denied both claims.