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

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, specifically chloracne, as it did not become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year of service separation and is not causally related to service. The claim for reopening the low back condition was also denied.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has been manifested by symptoms no greater than follicular inflamed papules on the beard area of the neck, without evidence of scars or disfigurement or a finding that at least 20 percent of the entire body or 20 percent of exposed areas have been affected; there is also no evidence that systemic therapy, such as corticosteroids, has ever been used for the disability during the course of the appeal. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issue of TDIU prior to March 10, 2009 remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostatitis, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 1, 2008. The Board has determined that the effective date for TDIU should be December 1, 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and a skin disorder, finding no evidence of current diagnoses or in-service onset.

The Veteran's epidermophytosis of both feet is rated at 30%, while his eczema of the scalp remains at 10%. The rating for hypertension was not addressed in this decision. Service connection for tinnitus and otitis externa has been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for acne of the face and back.

The Veteran's tinea pedis is characterized by symptoms of crusting on less than one percent of the whole body; dermatitis that covers at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of the entire body or exposed areas, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period has not been shown.,A heart disorder, sinusitis, back disorder, migraines and GERD were not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, low back disability, and chloracne have been denied. The rating of 30 percent has been assigned for anxiety and depressive disorders with alcohol dependence prior to September 19, 2013.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of tinea versicolor, chloracne, and prostate cancer. However, it did not grant any new rating as the diabetes mellitus continues to warrant a 20% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal was partially granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for left foot Morton's neuroma from September 1, 2010. The other issues remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, a disability manifested by chronic sinus and allergy problems, and a skin disability, to include photo dermatitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his currently service-connected conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, migraine headaches, and erectile dysfunction, is being remanded. Additionally, the issue of special monthly compensation based on need for Aid and Attendance/Housebound status is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing service treatment records and an addendum VA opinion regarding the Veteran's skin disorders.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has found that the left foot disorder and psoriasis are related to his service-connected right ankle disability, warranting secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent, and his PFB with scars affecting the face is rated at 30 percent. The Veteran also received separate ratings for painful or unstable scars of PFB. Additionally, he was granted TDIU.

The Veteran's skin conditions, including seborrheic and actinic keratosis, compound nevus, lentigo, furuncle and burn on the left chest, and basal cell carcinoma, were not shown to be related to service or due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Board denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's Frey's Syndrome and skin disability claims have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues are dismissed.