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

The Board found that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was not aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The chronic cough issue is pending as it relates to a possible undiagnosed illness during military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have been incurred in service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of evidence or further development needed.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical treatment for poison ivy dermatitis was denied because the emergency condition did not meet the criteria of a 'medical emergency' as defined by VA regulations. The Board found that the services provided were not rendered in an emergency situation and that reasonable alternative care was available at VA facilities.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Grandview Medical Center on October 24, 2009 for treatment of a scrotal abscess and tinea corporis are approved as the nearest VA facility was closed and not feasibly available.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected back and psychiatric disabilities preclude all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's skin disability, specifically atopic eczema, is manifested by rashes on his face, shoulders and feet with itchy and flaky skin. The VA has determined that the condition affects between 20% to 40% of the total body area, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for dyshydrotic eczema, dermatophytosis, and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), but denied them as not related to service. The claim of service connection for thyroid cancer remains final.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence, or because the conditions are not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not now have, and indeed has not had, sinusitis. His claim for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for atopic dermatitis with chronic urticaria remains part of this matter but was granted with a maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The AOJ will attempt to obtain completed VA Form 21-4192 from his former employers, seek any relevant vocational rehabilitation records, and provide a VA examination to assess his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected status post right middle finger laceration with residual terminal phalanx paresthesia and pes planus do not warrant higher disability ratings. The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluations of his service-connected disabilities, pseudofolliculitis barbae and hypertension. The case will be returned to the Board after these evaluations are completed.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is less than the required 70 percent for pension eligibility, and his disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the primary cause of his skin conditions, including neuropathic wounds and ulcers on both feet. The Board finds that these conditions are not related to service or any other presumptive exposure.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, a skin condition (chloracne), hyperlipidemia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision was based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left ankle fracture and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's tinea of the right foot was evaluated and found to cover less than 5% of his total body surface area, with no systemic therapy required. The condition did not result in any scars or significant functional impairment.