Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acne pseudofolliculitis barbae first began in active service and is related to his military service. The issue of residual disability to the ear lobes and upper and lower extremities due to cold injury remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability and the earliest post-service clinical evidence is more than eight years after separation from service.,The Veteran's right wrist disability (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability and the earliest post-service clinical evidence is more than three decades after separation from service. The Veteran does not have a history of surgery or in-service injury that would support this diagnosis.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability evaluation for his service-connected dermatophytosis (tinea versicolor). The case has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his skin condition.

The Veteran's left ring finger fracture, allergic rhinitis, IBS, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, and PFB are all rated at the maximum non-compensable level. The Veteran is granted a rating of 10% for his proximal phalanx fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to issue a Statement of the Case on several issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to determine the precise nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral knee disabilities and skin disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disability, diagnosed as eczematous dermatitis, and assigned a 10% evaluation effective May 11, 2015. The earlier effective dates for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded.

The Veteran's digestive disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a VA medical opinion on whether it is related to Agent Orange exposure or his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's skin disorders are being remanded for a VA medical opinion on their relationship to Agent Orange exposure, as well as any sun exposure during service. The examination should also address the impact of medications taken due to his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's chest pain disorder is being remanded for a VA medical opinion on whether it is related to Agent Orange exposure or PTSD.,The Veteran's respiratory disorders are being remanded for a VA medical opinion on their relationship to Agent Orange exposure, as well as any sun exposure during service. The examination should also address the impact of medications taken due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals regarding effective dates prior to August 18, 2003 for the grants of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, and bronchial asthma have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral tinnitus did not result from in-service noise exposure and thus denied his claim for service connection. His claims for chloracne were also denied due to lack of evidence of current diagnosis or association with service. Service connection was granted for DJD of both knees, but only at a noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral neurodermatitis warrants a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residual scar of bilateral earlobes was denied in November 1970 due to failure to report for examination. The decision is now found to have been clearly and unmistakably erroneous.,Service connection has been granted for the Veteran's residual scar of bilateral earlobes, effective from April 3, 2015.

The Veteran's chronic eczematous dermatitis of the heel of the left foot has not been shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable initial rating under VA's schedular rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is required to provide additional information or authorization for these records.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not service connected. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for seborrheic dermatitis but denied service connection for residuals of head trauma.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current tinea cruris is directly related to service, and grants service connection for this condition. The skin disorders other than tinea cruris are not found to be related to service or herbicide exposure. Service connection for hypertension is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the head and right and left knee injuries, but denied the claims for hemorrhoids and folliculitis abscess cysts due to lack of evidence of current disability. The claim for service connection for residuals of a laceration of the right 3rd finger is not addressed as it was not part of the appeal.