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

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues, including claims for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The Board has determined that a videoconference hearing is required due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and onychomycosis were rated as 10 percent disabling since January 15, 2013. The condition was found to affect less than 20% of the entire body but more than 5%, warranting a 10% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent for the period from February 2, 2001, to November 27, 2006. For the period since November 19, 2015, a higher rating is denied as his symptoms do not warrant such an increase.

The Veteran's skin disability, claimed as chronic infectious dermatitis, sarcoidosis, and residuals of skin cancer, is not found to be related to his service or exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding that the current condition is directly related to his active duty.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes.,There is no evidence of a skin condition of the hands that is related to his service-connected tinea pedis. The Veteran's dry skin on the hands was likely due to another condition, such as psoriasis.,The Veteran's skin condition of the feet is not service-connected as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining complete VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities. The Veteran must also be scheduled for a new examination before service connection can be decided on the merits for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's application for an annual clothing allowance was denied as the braces provided for his service-connected disabilities do not tend to wear or tear clothing, and the prescribed medication does not cause irreparable damage to outer garments.

The Board has remanded the case due to unavailability of medical records from Bell County Jail and Psychological Associates, P.A. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae prior to January 11, 2016, and higher than 10 percent thereafter.

The Board denied an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and did not grant an earlier effective date prior to August 9, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected tinea versicolor from October 22, 2012 has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor was first diagnosed and treated during service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been reopened, but the Board finds that new evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and new examinations are necessary to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected conditions. The appeal is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor and left second metatarsal fracture residuals are currently rated as 30 percent and 10 percent disabling, respectively. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant an increased rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is dismissed as the Board found no CUE in the February 1978 rating decision.,There was no CUE in the February 1978 rating decision's assignment of June 16, 1977, as the effective date for skin disorder. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for prostatitis is denied because he did not file a formal or informal claim until June 28, 2006. His claim is also denied due to the lack of evidence showing that his urinary leakage required absorbent materials more than four times per day prior to March 3, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for prostatitis is denied as he did not file a formal or informal claim until June 28, 2006. His claim is also denied due to the lack of evidence showing that his urinary leakage required absorbent materials more than four times per day prior to March 3, 2014.,The Veteran's retroactive payment for PTSD by a December 1999 Board decision was correct and he received the proper amount. His claim is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder arthritis is granted as his current condition is at least as likely as not incurred during combat.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to prostatitis is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to the service-connected prostatitis. His claim is also granted based on loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's spouse's need for regular aid and attendance does not meet the criteria for SMC, thus his claim is denied.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based upon loss of use of a creative organ is granted as he has lost use of his left hand due to an injury. His claim is also granted based on his spouse's need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits was denied because he does not have a serious employment handicap due to his service-connected disabilities, and the benefits provided under Chapter 31 are not available to him.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated at 30 percent since December 8, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from December 8, 2006, based on the combined impact of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for psoriasis has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.