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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating prior to April 30, 2013, and to a disability rating greater than 10 percent from April 30, 2013, on an extraschedular basis for bilateral hearing loss. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further examination and medical opinion to assess the impact of his service-connected eczema and emphysema on his ability to work. The appeal will be returned to the Board once additional development has been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae has not affected more than 20% of the entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy such as corticosteroids was required for a total duration of six weeks or more during any 12-month period. The condition did not result in deep scars, disfigurement, or require constant systemic therapy.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his overall disability picture, which includes multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chloracne and facial scars has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of eczema and peripheral neuropathy, but does not have a current right testicle condition or a current skin condition (eczema) as claimed.

The Veteran's pre-existing acne and hyperhidrosis increased in severity during his active service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor with onychomycosis and tinea axillaris have not been shown to warrant an evaluation in excess of the current 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as tinea of the feet and lichen simplex chronicus, was not incurred during service or due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found that there is no persuasive competent evidence linking the disease to his period of service.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris have not met the criteria for a compensable rating prior to January 28, 2011, or in excess of a 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acne and residual scarring are related to his service, including exposure to herbicides during his deployment in Vietnam. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current skin conditions, including photosensitivity dermatitis, acne rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and photosensitivity polymorphic light eruption, are related to his active duty service. The Board found that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding this connection.

The Veteran's service-connected epidermal inclusion cysts and probable chloracne are manifested by involvement of over 40 percent of the total body area, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, hypertension, and an eye disability due to lack of evidence showing a current diagnosis or link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as onychomycosis of the toenails and tinea pedis with possible bacterial infection, is related to service.,The Veteran has a history of COPD that began in service and is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to address his claims of increased ratings for right knee disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as service connection for a left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his left and right knee disorders and folliculitis barbae. The special monthly compensation based on housebound status claim will also be readjudicated.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were found to more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood from July 17, 2009 to November 21, 2013. The initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted at 10 percent since July 17, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective November 22, 2013. TDIU was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to clarify the nature, cause, and current severities of the disabilities on appeal.

The Veteran's initial ratings for eczema, nephrolithiasis, lumbago, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, and osteoarthritis of the left knee have been granted. However, his claim for service connection for sinusitis remains pending.