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

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a compensable rating for dermatitis of the bilateral hands. The other issues were either not addressed or denied.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected tinea versicolor does not warrant an initial compensable rating due to its infrequent and short duration of active symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for seborrheic dermatitis, claimed as facial rash, is granted. The Board also grants an initial compensable rating of 10 percent for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis from January 8, 2014, and denies the remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including tinea cruris, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, Meniere's disease, and eczema. The Veteran's claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for seborrheic dermatitis was denied as the condition is not related to any event or injury in service, and there is no evidence of a nexus between the current diagnosis and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder, including dermatitis/eczema, is not causally connected to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's acne vulgaris has been manifested by superficial comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts; the condition has not been manifested by deep acne. The criteria for an initial compensable rating for acne vulgaris have not been met.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was rated as noncompensable prior to April 6, 2010 and 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating before April 6, 2010, and denied both his increased rating claim and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted. The claims for neurodermatitis, heart disability, erectile dysfunction, respiratory disability, prostate disability, acquired psychiatric disability, cognitive disability, and shrapnel wound to the neck are being remanded.

The Board finds that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's skin condition, claimed as chronic dermatitis, is related to service. Entitlement to service connection for a skin condition is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy claims, as well as an initial rating for folliculitis. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right wrist/hand disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a new VA examination and the acquisition of relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not warrant a compensable rating as there is no evidence of systemic therapy or affected exposed areas exceeding 5%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection, as they are not shown to be related to his active military service or due to radiation exposure. The claims have been denied.

The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's right knee disability and her service connection claims for left foot, skin disorder, and chronic vaginitis.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent. The effective date for this rating has been set as November 30, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his National Guard service and obtain updated VA treatment records.