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

The Veteran's skin disabilities were initially assigned a noncompensable rating, and a higher 10 percent rating was awarded effective July 3, 2013. The evidence does not establish the Veteran met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran is granted service connection for his pre-existing bilateral pes planus that increased in severity during active duty service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted a 50 percent rating effective December 16, 2009. The compensable evaluation for costochondritis was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cystic acne and depression, as well as his claim for TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal was denied on all issues related to his service-connected conditions, with no new evidence provided that would warrant reopening the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The claims include reopening the service connection for undiagnosed illness, separate ratings for erectile dysfunction and bladder/bowel impairment, as well as seeking service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records, conduct VA examinations, and provide opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for mild superficial comedones (claimed as acne) because no new and material evidence was received within a year of the initial denial, and the claim to reopen was not received until September 25, 2009.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for cervical spine disability, tuberculosis, and eczema of the legs and feet. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at a maximum of 50 percent since July 23, 2015. His right shoulder tendonitis remains at the 10 percent rating. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his pseudofolliculitis barbae and onychomycosis.

The Veteran's service-connected PFB is rated at a 10 percent disability rating since September 15, 2015. The right ring finger disability remains rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a previously scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling another hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his skin condition, including as due to herbicide exposure, and his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and skin disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for a left eye corneal ulcer, service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, and an increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea skin infection is being remanded as the issue has not been addressed yet. The Board will provide a Statement of the Case and allow the Veteran to perfect his appeal if he wishes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral wrist disability. For sinusitis, the Board finds that there are three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting from November 2, 2007, to December 7, 2009, warranting a 10% rating. Prior to this period, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for any compensable rating.

The Veteran's tinea genitocruralis was rated as noncompensable prior to May 29, 2009 and a 10 percent rating beginning May 29, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have reasonably been shown to produce functional limitations that he has been unable to overcome, and the Board finds reasonable that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and sustaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, the Veteran's request for vocational rehabilitation services is granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for bilateral tinea pedis was granted, with the condition affecting less than 5% of his entire body and no systemic therapy required.