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

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, skin disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, toenail disorder, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, vein disorder, low back disorder, neurological disorders of the lower extremities, and eye disorder were not shown to be related to service. The Veteran did not provide any statements attributing these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to changes in his employment situation and the need for a new VA examination assessing the functional impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from May 20, 2009 to October 15, 2014. The Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for the entire period under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, secondary to equilibrium dysfunction, and for a compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis and onychomycosis of the feet were denied. The claim for headaches was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively confine him to his dwelling and its immediate premises, qualifying for SMC based on the need for aid and assistance or housebound status.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including chloracne. The medical records do not support a diagnosis of chloracne or any other confirmed skin condition during or after service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including basal cell carcinoma and other conditions, is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if these conditions are related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a new VA spine examination.

The Board granted service connection for herpes simplex (HSV 1&2) effective September 16, 2008.,Service connection was denied for a low back disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin condition, claimed as dermatitis, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the right hand CTS, left hand CTS, bilateral plantar fasciitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and headache disability claims. The pes planus claim was also withdrawn.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acne vulgaris and its associated conditions has been granted.,Service connection is also established for malaria, as the evidence shows a diagnosis in service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and tinea cruris.,All three conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and folliculitis and cellulitis of the scalp have been granted service connection, but the Board finds that there is no nexus between these conditions and her military service. The Veteran was awarded a compensable initial rating for her folliculitis and cellulitis of the scalp.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the severity of his residuals from pilonidal cystectomy and perirectal sinus. The claims for service connection are also pending.

The Veteran was awarded compensation benefits for complications from a cardiac catheterization, including additional disabilities such as necrotizing fasciitis and diarrhea. He also received SMC based on his need for aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The initial compensable ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and left shoulder scar, as well as the increased rating for recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder with traumatic arthritis, were not granted. The claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing on the issue of bilateral hearing loss and issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding the remaining issues. The appellant must file a substantive appeal to continue their appeal.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.