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

The Veteran's dermatitis, lower extremity, representative of stasis dermatitis exacerbated by lichenified simplex chronicus, is currently rated at 60 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Veteran's service-connected disability has not prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's skin rash and chloracne were not found to be related to service. The VA denied the claims for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, as well as for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no compensable hearing loss or significant impairment from his diagnosed conditions. The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to withdrawal of his appeal regarding the left hand rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining medical opinions regarding service connection for various conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a link between his current condition and military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for asthmatic bronchitis, acne, and depression. The claims are being remanded to obtain missing STRs and to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's dermatitis was rated as noncompensable prior to April 3, 2014. Since then, the condition has been manifested by intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during any 12-month period.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor and tinea pedis with onychomycosis of the right great toe are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to new evidence submitted after the RO's latest Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, chronic gynecological disability (pelvic pain and abnormal menses), acne, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to her active service.

The Board has granted service connection for Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and PTSD, but denied service connection for low back strain, left knee disability, right knee disability, and hypertension. The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD are related to his wartime experiences.

The Veteran's hypertension, atrial tachycardia, and chronic lumbar strain are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The other conditions have been evaluated as noncompensable or with a 10% rating.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issue of service connection for asbestosis. The Board found that a compensable disability rating (10%) is warranted for his right forehead scar, but denied entitlement to higher ratings for PTSD and other conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering lay statements regarding the Veteran's skin conditions during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea versicolor, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on body coverage or systemic therapy. The appeal was also denied regarding service connection for sleep apnea and back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis and vertigo, as well as restored the 50 percent disability rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The Veteran's symptoms of psoriasis and vertigo were initially manifested during service and have continued since then.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and seborrheic dermatitis have been rated at 10 percent since the appeal began, reflecting their current severity.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected superficial acne and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a contemporaneous examination.

The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development, including providing the Veteran VA examinations and obtaining relevant treatment records.