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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected skin disability affects areas other than his scalp. The Veteran is seeking an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his folliculitis of the scalp with keloid residuals.

Service connection has been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service-connected lumbar spine disability.,No new evidence was provided for the increased rating of pseudofolliculitis, so the current rating remains in effect.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is now rated at 40%, effective January 3, 2012.,Right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings to 20% each.,No new evidence was provided for the TDIU claim, so it remains pending.,The effective date for the 40 percent rating of lumbar spine disability is January 3, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining clarification from the Veteran's private physician regarding his skin condition and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's eczematous dermatitis has not affected more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas, and did not require constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period. Therefore, an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for eczematous dermatitis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 18, 2013 at The Villages Regional Hospital were not reimbursable because the treatment was not for a condition of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, chloracne, and Dupuytren's contracture have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from private dermatology treatment on June 6, 2011 was denied as the required elements under VA regulations were not met.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 23, 2011 for the grant of service connection for psuedofolliculitis barbae was granted. The claim to reopen his PTSD and depression claims was also granted. However, he is still denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain outstanding VA medical records and for a VA examination regarding his claimed pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has found that the Veteran's eczema had its onset in service and has continued since then, granting service connection for eczema. The issue of a higher initial rating for Crohn's disease with GERD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for eczema, previously claimed as dry itchy skin. The evidence now shows that the Veteran likely developed eczema during his Gulf War service due to exposure to environmental conditions and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, sleep apnea, low back strain, left knee strain, right knee medial meniscus tear, tinnitus, hypertension, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 10 percent, and his athlete's foot is not compensably rated.,During the appeal period, the Veteran's hepatitis C was manifested by intermittent fatigue, nausea, anorexia, and weight loss. His athlete's foot covered less than five percent of exposed skin and required topical treatment.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he was not in a work release status while incarcerated at the Winnebago Correctional Center, and therefore does not meet the criteria for restoration of full disability compensation benefits.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor had its onset during service and has recurred since then. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of lumbar strain or any other low back disability, but his tinea pedis did not manifest during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's contact dermatitis, status post anthrax immunization, does not warrant a compensable initial rating as it affects less than 5 percent of her entire body or exposed areas and is treated with topical steroids.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues include claims for initial ratings and service connection.