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

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are necessary to accurately assess the Veteran's left knee disability and tinea unguium, as her claims have been pending for over five years. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is rated as 10 percent disabling since November 23, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's hypertension and psoriasis were granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right hand disability are also granted as direct service connection based on evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and clarification of the extent of affected areas.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for acne conglobata of the buttocks and face is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have begun in service and has persisted, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected psoriasis, which he treated with methotrexate. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling error for a Board hearing. The issues of rating ratings, service connection, and effective date are still pending.

The Veteran's skin condition, including superficial acne and eczema, does not warrant a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus service connection for the condition is granted.

The Veteran's combined rating of 70 percent for service-connected disabilities from June 1, 2004 to March 10, 2005 and 90 percent thereafter meets the threshold requirements for a TDIU. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran seeks restoration of his 60 percent rating for service-connected dermatitis, which was reduced to noncompensable by the RO. The Board finds that further development is necessary and remands the case for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if systemic therapy or other immunosuppressive drugs are used in treating his service-connected nummular eczema.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed Lichen Planus Chronicus/LSC is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. His follicular dermatitis with residual scars are currently rated as 10%.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota on October 10 and 11, 2006 is granted due to the criteria being met.

The Board has determined that additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service treatment records and VA medical records, is necessary before a decision can be made on his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain with probable lateral meniscus tear, but the Veteran's claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain updated VA treatment records, arrange for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and determine their etiology, and readjudicate the claims.