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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's skin disability.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent, effective February 13, 2003. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher disability rating.

The Veteran's facial skin disorder, including scars from cystic acne and subsequent surgical interventions, was rated at 80% since January 18, 2013. The evidence did not support a higher rating for the period prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical and mental incapacity, which requires care and assistance on a regular basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disorders. The Veteran's hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, right foot disorder, myopia, swelling of the left testicle, and tinea versicolor are all found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability affects less than 20 percent of the total body area and exposed areas, without requiring systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, he is not entitled to a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's lichen planus is rated at 60 percent disabling, the highest available rating under the revised criteria. The Board finds that the Veteran's condition has been productive of a disability picture involving constant or near-constant systemic medications during any 12-month period.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic skin disorder, including tinea pedis and jungle rot, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service. For the rating period from July 12, 2007, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with callous formation was rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's deviated septum was incurred during service and is granted service connection. The issues of carpal tunnel syndrome, heart condition with murmur, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are also addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and bilateral athlete's foot, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service. The claims were previously denied due to lack of evidence of a current disability or a link between in-service injury/disease and current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an outstanding hearing request. He wishes a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed skin disorders, including tinea unguium and folliculitis. The Veteran's service treatment records for both periods of active service are requested, as well as all relevant VA and private clinical documentation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for eczematous dermatitis (claimed as skin rash on arm).

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis and denied service connection for hypertension. The case is being remanded to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 60 percent evaluation for left leg venous stasis, finding that the reduction from 60 to 40 percent was improper due to lack of evidence of improvement in his condition.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for dependent education assistance and TDIU during the July 2015 Board hearing. The remaining issues of increased ratings for Achilles tendonitis and dermatitis were not addressed.

The Veteran's dermatitis is rated at 60 percent, and his major depression secondary to service-connected dermatitis is granted. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for pseudo folliculitis barbae has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased disability evaluation for right knee disability and service connection for left knee disability are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed left knee disability, and his service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's tinea pedis is rated appropriately, as are his hearing loss and CTS. His acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle condition, and head injury with headaches and myofascial pain syndrome do not warrant increased ratings. Finally, the Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.