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

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. However, the evidence does not support a finding that his service-connected disabilities render him incapable of securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin conditions, right testicle disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not related to his active duty service. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is also not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability. Service connection for hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 3.385.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination for the Veteran's claimed bilateral jungle rot, diagnosed as tinea pedis. The examiner will determine if there is at least a 50% probability that any such disorder is etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's skin condition on the hands and PTSD have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine if his current staph infection and skin disability are related to the VA treatment he received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar degenerative disc disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, cervical disc disease status post laminectomy and discectomy, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, malaria, tinea pedis with traumatized nails, and amebic dysentery, are reasonably shown to be of such nature and severity as to prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, a TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's onychomycosis with eczematous dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent prior to April 10, 2012. From that date forward, the condition warrants a rating of no more than 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin rash and eczema did not manifest during service, is not related to active service, and is not due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's eczema was rated at 10 percent prior to December 6, 2016, and his low back strain was rated at 10 percent from December 6, 2016. Both conditions were granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and tinea pedis and onychomycosis, as well as his claim of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The case is to be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disability, chronic pain disability, and TBI are not related to his military service. The appeal was reopened on new evidence but the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's fungal condition, including onychosis and tinea pedis, has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since June 2012. The Board finds that the current evaluation is appropriate as the disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral foot disorders are being remanded for further examination and opinion. His skin disorder is also being remanded due to conflicting opinions.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain VA examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorder, headaches, and respiratory disorder. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right leg condition, TBI, and tinea cruria as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, bilateral foot disability, psoriasis, and low back disorder were not incurred in or related to her military service. The claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The Veteran's PFB was rated at 10 percent prior to October 23, 2008 and increased to 50 percent after that date.,Neither rating meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chloracne and headaches were denied. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of chloracne, which is presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure under VA regulations. However, there was no evidence linking the Veteran's headaches to service or herbicide exposure.