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

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 7800. The Board found that the condition meets the criteria for a 50% rating based on three characteristics of disfigurement: surface contour of scar elevated or depressed on palpation; skin hypo- or hyper-pigmented in an area exceeding six square inches (39 sq. cm.); and skin texture abnormal in an area exceeding six square inches (39 sq. cm.).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including a headache disorder and PTSD, was reopened. The Board found that new evidence supported the reopening of these claims.

The Veteran's eczematous dermatitis was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service. The Board finds the Veteran's current lower eczematous dermatitis did not manifest during his period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran experienced a stressor related to his military service and developed PTSD as a result.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's right hand disability is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under DC 5215. The Board finds that a higher or separate rating for ankylosis of any involved joint is not warranted as there is no evidence of such.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for tinea versicolor was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus restoring entitlement to service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne and determined that it is related to his exposure to herbicides during his military service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that service connection for PFB is not warranted, and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and migraine headaches are remanded for additional development.

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

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is being remanded due to the need to consider his service connection claims and potential impact on his eligibility. The issues of service connection for hyperhidrosis and back pain secondary to diabetes mellitus are also pending.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations or earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's chronic lichen simplex is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot fungus, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected urticaria with cystic acne.

The Veteran's service-connected psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis affected at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas from July 13, 2004. The Board found that an effective date of July 13, 2004 is appropriate for the assignment of a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including psoriasis, PTSD, right knee replacement, ankle degeneration, hammertoes, spinal and sacroiliac joint psoriatic arthritis, left knee psoriatic arthritis, and anemia, rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment as of July 2, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. New examinations are also needed to address the relationship between his claimed disabilities and service.