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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disorder, bilateral shoulder disorders, and bilateral ankle disorders were all denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for acne and syringomas since May 27, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for pseudofolliculitis has new and material evidence received, but service connection is denied. The right shoulder disability claim remains pending due to need for additional examination. Service connection for the lumbar spine condition was previously denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for service-connected conjunctivitis has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and address the issues of hypertension, fatigue, headache disorder, and other claims.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor was rated at 10 percent prior to January 15, 2009 and at 30 percent after that date. The condition has not required systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his muscle deterioration and skin conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a Social Industrial Survey and obtaining records of vocational services discussions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition. For his acquired psychiatric disorder, the Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's hand dermatitis and eczema are found to be etiologically related to active service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and related conditions are currently rated as appropriate. The claim for seborrheic dermatitis is reopened but the service connection remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with cavus foot formation, folliculitis and contact dermatitis, GERD, IBS, CFS, and lumbar degenerative disk disease. Service connection is denied for the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and neck.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe, and chloracne. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatitis of both feet is directly related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis meets the criteria for a 60% rating, and his TDIU is granted. The claims for service connection for psoriasis, arthritis, and bilateral arthritis of the hips are not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for eczema on the left hand and entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left eye cataract have not progressed further as the case is now moot.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected tinea dermatitis did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, as it did not affect at least 20% of his entire body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, skin disorder, hypertension, sleep apnea, and leg stents are denied as there is no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during his service in Guam. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address issues of service connection and effective dates, as well as a sleep apnea examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity that they preclude substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling errors for his requested video conference hearing. He will be rescheduled and notified of the new date.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorders are not related to his service or exposure to herbicides, and thus denied his claim for service connection.