Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis and bilateral knee conditions are related to his active duty service.

The claims for GERD, bilateral foot disability, and tinea pedis have all been reopened due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be related to his service.

The Veteran's appeals were withdrawn by the appellant. The RO granted service connection for right knee degenerative joint arthritis, and thus the issue of entitlement to a right knee disability is no longer in appellate status.

The Board finds additional development is required before the Veteran's claims can be decided, including for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lower back and bilateral lower extremity disabilities, as well as the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder and bilateral upper extremity disability.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as eczema of the hands, is rated non-compensable. The Board found that less than 5% of his body was affected by the condition and no systemic therapy was required.,Regarding service connection for a lower back condition, new evidence did not show any aggravation or worsening due to events in service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's current tinea pedis and tinea cruris were incurred in or caused by service. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and fibromyalgia, did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to July 19, 2013.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD, and his dermatitis of the chest is found to be related to service. The claim for increased rating for residuals left auxiliary vein thrombosis remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the claims of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a left knee disorder, including as secondary to his right knee condition. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and provide new opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied due to lack of evidence showing a claim within one year of separation from active duty. The effective dates for service connection have been set at January 15, 2009.

The Veteran's tinea pedis with onychomycosis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor does not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA skin examination. The issues include increased ratings for foot disability and skin conditions, as well as TDIU and SMC.

The Veteran's folliculitis, low back disability, chronic right ankle sprain disability, and left hand/thumb disability are all found to be service-connected. The Veteran's right thumb disability is not service-connected. A rating in excess of 10 percent for the scar from head surgery is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran requested a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, but withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including as due to Agent Orange exposure, is not service connected.

The Veteran's diabetes was not incurred in or is otherwise related to his period of active service.,Cold weather injury residuals, arthritis, gout, hypertension, an eye disorder (ultraviolet keratitis), a gastrointestinal disorder (colitis), an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), vertigo, and a kidney disorder are not shown to be related to his period of active service.