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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including as due to herbicide agent exposure. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for atopic eczema with tinea pedis, onychomycosis, scars, and plantar keratosis was withdrawn. The claims of service connection for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides) and diabetes mellitus were denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA treatment records and examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected skin conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for painful scars of the left hand, right hand, neck, and chin associated with keratosis punctate et palmaris and pseudofolliculitis barbae, or an initial compensable rating for scars of the right hand associated with keratosis punctate et palmaris. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for scars of the left hand associated with keratosis punctate et palmaris was also denied. However, he is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his scars of the cheek and neck associated with pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the obtaining of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability evaluations and rating reductions, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that his current psoriasis is at least as likely as not related to his military service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran does not have current skin, right knee, or left knee disorders that are related to service. The Board finds no evidence of such conditions during service and insufficient medical nexus opinions supporting a link between the current conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis, a bilateral hand disability, and allergies. The Veteran's migraines, uterine fibroid tumor, ovarian cyst, and cervical squamous cells, as well as her left elbow disability, are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for basal cell carcinoma was denied as there is no evidence that he filed a formal or informal application prior to August 30, 2006.,The Veteran's acne vulgaris face and back with tinea pedis were evaluated at 30 percent disabling. The Board found the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of systemic therapy.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PFB from July 11, 2005 to May 17, 2010 was denied. The reduction of the rating from 30 percent to 10 percent effective March 1, 2017 was also denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PFB effective March 1, 2017 was also denied.

The Veteran's dermatitis did not cover more than 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, and did not require systemic therapy. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, arrange for a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's eczema, and provide an addendum opinion on whether the left foot hallux valgus was aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected recurrent folliculitis warrants a 10 percent rating, effective March 30, 2011. The issue of service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed pseudofolliculitis barbae was incurred in service, and the Board finds that there is sufficient competent evidence to support this claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for acne is denied as it is not factually ascertainable that the criteria for such rating were met within one year prior to December 2, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The VA examiner found that the Veteran did not meet all criteria for PTSD and his symptoms were better explained by other diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for clarification of her current treatment and its impact on her skin condition.