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

The Veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by at least prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months, warranting a 10 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation and earlier effective date for right knee, status post anterior cruciate ligament surgical repair with degenerative joint disease were denied. The issues of entitlement to an effective date earlier than May 12, 2012, for the grant of service connection for right knee disability and psoriasis are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's current skin disorder, consisting of acne and scalp abscesses, is not considered to be causally or etiologically related to his military service, including alleged herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the claim for service connection has been denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a hematoma of the abdominal wound, atopic dermatitis, right hip disability, right ankle disability, spastic colon, tinea pedis, and hemorrhagic gastritis. The new evidence received since the last final denial is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for hypertension or psoriasis, and there was no evidence of PTSD, tinnitus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, or any other claimed conditions.

The Veteran was not diagnosed with a chronic bilateral shoulder/arm disability at any point during the appeal period.,A chronic bilateral hand disability was not manifest in active service, arthritis of the hands was not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from active duty, and any bilateral hand disability was not otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Veteran's claimed chronic skin rash was not shown to have manifested during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of a nexus between the current condition and service. The Board finds that service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service due to exposure to acoustic trauma.,Service connection was also granted for a skin condition (chloracne), with the reasoning that it preexisted service but was aggravated by service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's skin disorder, specifically atopic dermatitis of the head, trunk and arms, is etiologically related to his service. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of increased rating for bilateral pes planus, TDIU based on all service-connected disabilities, and reopening the claim for spongiotic dermatitis are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is being remanded due to unclear severity of the condition and conflicting medical evidence regarding scars outside the bearded area. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining additional treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and skin disorder were granted initial ratings of 30 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Service connection for bilateral UE mono-neuropathy and weakness/fatigue/joint/muscle pain symptoms was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether his prescribed medication causes irreparable damage to his outer garments.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim is not addressed. The initial compensable rating for bilateral onychomycosis and tinea pedis of the left foot remains denied, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.,A 30 percent rating for post-radioactive iodine-induced hypothyroidism is granted based on symptoms including fatigue, constipation, and mental sluggishness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's penile disorder is at least as likely as not incurred in service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure, is denied because there is no current diagnosis of chloracne and the medical evidence does not support a finding that his currently diagnosed skin disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU under VA regulations. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected skin disability, specifically related to doxycycline treatment and its impact on his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the May 2015 VA examination report and requests for additional development of the Veteran's skin condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA skin examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed skin disorders.