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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination during a period of flare-up of his tinea pedis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis of the bilateral hands and feet and groin area is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The VA must obtain a medical opinion regarding whether his psoriasis is caused or aggravated by hypertension or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for cystic acne and facial scarring was denied. The case is remanded to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor is rated at 30 percent, effective October 1, 2009.,Prior to February 11, 2014, the Veteran's residual scar of the abdomen status post abdominal hernia and bowel obstruction was rated as noncompensable. From February 11, 2014 onwards, it is rated at 10 percent.,The linear residual surgical scar of the abdomen status post abdominal hernia and bowel obstruction remains noncompensable.

The Board finds that service connection for a skin disorder, claimed as tinea pedis is not warranted. The medical evidence does not establish a relationship between the Veteran's current diagnosis and his active service.

The Veteran's chloracne is granted service connection due to herbicide exposure. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected skin disability and bilateral hallux valgus have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for discoid lupus erythematosus and a skin disorder (acute frequent dermatitis with systemic arthritis) as they are not shown to be related to active service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of his current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sarcoidosis is being remanded to obtain an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his diagnosed condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral entropion is related to an in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected acne was rated at 10 percent prior to April 15, 2017 and has been granted a higher rating since then.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disability are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The claim for compensable evaluation for dyshidrotic eczema is also denied.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has been manifested by a skin disorder affecting at least five percent, but less than 20 percent of exposed areas. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met or more nearly approximated.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for acne and right ankle tendinitis was denied. The Veteran's acne is rated at 10 percent, effective June 28, 2010. Right ankle tendinitis prior to March 20, 2013 is also rated at 10 percent; from March 20, 2013, it is rated at the maximum of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including consideration of additional medical and lay evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for acne vulgaris, residual scarring, and gynecomastia. The Veteran's acne vulgaris is considered to have been incurred during his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not linked to his period of service or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues currently before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for gastritis and tinea and onychomycosis of the fingernails and toenails, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations and consideration of his claims.