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

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) as there is no objective evidence of PFB or any sequelae such as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation to the anterior neck or chin areas consistent with PFB. The Veteran's symptoms are attributable to nonservice-connected prurigo nodularis and eczema.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for acne keloidalis with bumps and head scar was granted, with a 30 percent rating effective September 21, 2011. The condition had previously been rated at 60 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, the highest available under DC 7806.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and reviewing new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of a skin disorder, increased evaluation for PTSD and right thumb laceration with tendon and nerve damage, and increase in evaluation for a right thumb scar. The Veteran's claim for an increase in evaluation for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected pustular dermatitis was granted a 60% rating effective November 24, 2015. He also received a TDIU and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate as of that date.,PTSD is considered in determining unemployability but does not contribute to the TDIU or housebound rate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated VA examination to assess her seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's chronic bilateral lower extremity dermatitis is rated at 60% prior to April 1, 2011, and 30% thereafter. His PTSD remains rated at 30%. The decision also addressed a TDIU claim.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 30 percent disability rating for seborrheic dermatitis, effective from March 1, 2011.

The Veteran's tinea pedis did not affect at least 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas and did not require systemic therapy for a total duration of six weeks or more, thus warranting a disability rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes was denied. The evidence received since the October 2006 decision did not relate to injury or disease in service or a nexus between post-service disability and service.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression) was denied. The evidence received since the October 2006 decision did not relate to injury or disease in service or a nexus between post-service disability and service.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was granted. The evidence received since February 2009 addressed the unestablished fact of a current disability, which is new and material.

The Veteran's service-connected urinary incontinence, hypertension, and other conditions make her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea corporis of the left hand warrants a 60 percent rating since November 8, 2006, and from March 13, 2009 through June 12, 2009. The initial noncompensable (0%) rating was assigned for periods prior to that.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for folliculitis has been fully satisfied by a December 2016 rating decision, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including severe osteoarthritis in his knees and degenerative joint disease of the spine, have rendered him unable to dress, feed himself, or perform daily activities without significant assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's skin disability was granted an increased rating to 60 percent effective May 17, 2011. Prior to this date, he received a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new opinion on the etiology of his skin disorder. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD will also be remanded to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's facial skin condition, specifically acne keloidalis nuchae with pseudofolliculitis barbae, was rated at a noncompensable level prior to October 20, 2007. From October 20, 2007 to April 5, 2011, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating for this condition. Since April 5, 2011, no higher rating is granted.

Throughout the appeal period, the Veteran's skin disability has been manifested by less than 5 percent of the entire body and exposed areas affected, and has not required intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.