Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoriasis is related to his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no period during the appeal period when symptoms approximated a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected tinea versicolor is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination by a dermatologist.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and removal of ingrown toenail from the left fifth toe are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for eczematous dermatitis was denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is less than the 100% required for a TDIU, and his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's eczema was rated at 10 percent prior to February 4, 2013 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the use of topical corticosteroids warranted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been granted service connection. The initial rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia was increased to 30 percent but the appeal is denied for a higher rating. Service connection for skin disability (tinea pedis of the feet, dermatitis and eczema of hands and arms) has been granted but not at a higher than 10 percent level.

The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration and the need for a video conference hearing.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a skin disorder other than pseudofolliculitis barbae and tinea cruris, nor any cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran seeks a higher disability rating for his service-connected cystic acne of the face with folliculitis of the scalp, and also wishes to have the reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent effective March 1, 2010 reviewed. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before this case can be properly adjudicated.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected residuals of ingrown toenails, left great toe and hypertension. The rating for chondromalacia, status post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with residual scars, left knee remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran is entitled to an initial 10 percent rating for tinea pedis with toenail onychomycosis from August 14, 2006, to March 3, 2008.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as folliculitis and seborrheic dermatitis, is found to be related to his active duty service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for tinea pedis (jungle rot of the feet) remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's skin disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for acne vulgaris of the face and back is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence. Clarification is needed regarding whether any higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his eczema of the legs is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding systemic therapy use.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and dermatitis were granted. He is now rated at 0 percent for his bilateral hearing loss.