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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability, manifested by blackheads and oiliness behind the ears and on the arms, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The increased rating claim for diabetes mellitus type II was also denied as there is no evidence showing that the current level of disability warrants a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disability (other than pseudofolliculitis barbae) and an increased rating for sinusitis, both currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals for all issues listed on the title page of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including cancer of the left pharyngeal tonsil, ischemic heart disease, bilateral swelling of the feet, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disability to include acid reflux, sleeping disorders to include sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, skin disorder (chloracne), bleeding from the nose and mouth, tinnitus, an upper back and/or neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision does not specify a rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal, including service connection for a back injury, an initial compensable rating for tinea pedis, and an initial compensable rating for umbilical hernia.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, securing his VA vocational rehabilitation file, and providing an advisory opinion from a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Division counselor regarding the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis (tinea versicolor) is manifested by an itchy rash over 80 percent of his body during exacerbations at least four months out of the year, and moderately affects his work concentration and activities. The Board finds that a schedular rating of 60 percent for dermatophytosis (tinea versicolor) has been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acne keloidalis nuchae is a service-connected disability, having been incurred during his active service in the Southwest Asia Theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's prostate condition, including prostatitis and prostate cancer, is presumed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The Veteran's skin disability (tinea cruris) has been found to warrant an initial 60 percent rating throughout the appeal period, based on constant or near-constant use of topical corticosteroids.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, left and right hallux valgus with hammer toe, tinea unguium (onychomycosis), residuals of a right wrist fracture, and scar from inguinal herniorrhaphy are all rated as 30 percent disabling. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been denied. The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for psoriasis/skin spots, an initial compensable rating for osteoarthritis of the right hand, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right foot surgery with hallux rigidus and gout (claimed as right foot hammer toe). The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical degenerative disc disease has been denied. His claims have not yet been adjudicated.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus and acne scars. The Board found that the Veteran experienced in-service exposure to noise, which led to current tinnitus symptoms. For acne scars, the Board determined there were in-service symptoms of scarring noted during service and no evidence of pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, which reflects the need for restricted diet and oral medication. The issues of service connection for hypertension, evaluation of pseudofolliculitis barbae, and PTSD prior to March 3, 2004 are all granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which include right lower extremity varicose veins, stasis dermatitis of the right lower leg and foot, left knee degenerative joint disease, chin scars, and right shoulder degenerative changes with rotator cuff tendonitis. The Veteran's combined evaluation has been 70 percent since May 31, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of chronic disabilities related to his claimed conditions.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, epistaxis, anemia/iron deficiency, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's skin disability was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, and he did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. The Board denied service connection for a skin disability as it is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's chloracne is presumed to be due to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. However, there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus, type II, and the claim for this condition was denied.

The Veteran is entitled to TDIU from May 3, 2013 due to his service-connected cyclothymic disorder. Special monthly compensation was granted effective July 6, 2015.