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

The Veteran's skin disorder and right ankle disorder are found to have begun during his active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The Veteran's PTSD rating claim remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PFB of the face and neck, as well as his lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease prior to January 9, 2012, and subsequent ratings thereafter, was denied. The Board found that the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent were not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a December 2015 VA examination report and other evidence received post-remand.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence linking his current skin condition or hearing loss to his military service.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disorder is found to be related to his service-connected left femur fracture, and the skin disorder of the lower extremities is determined to be as likely as not due to service. Both conditions are granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to May 24, 2016 have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.,Effective May 24, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disorders did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as eczema, was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral tinea cruris is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis affects an estimated five percent of his exposed skin, warranting a 10% evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for tinea pedis with onychomycosis prior to July 30, 2010 and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar strain, status post L5-S1 discectomy from July 30, 2010 to December 6, 2010. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim was not addressed as it is not related to service connection.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis and eczema were found to warrant a 10 percent rating prior to September 22, 2009. The claim for an increased rating is denied from that date forward.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected dermatitis and obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected eczema does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The condition affects less than 5% of total body area and none of it is exposed, with topical corticosteroid use for less than six weeks in the past year.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his respiratory, skin, and hypertension disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for acne rosacea was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show more than 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas affected, nor constant systemic therapy required.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an adequate VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current skin disorders are related to his service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted a rating of 60 percent for psoriasis as of March 2, 2016, but not earlier.