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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and kidney disability, both related to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension and skin disorder, including squamous cell carcinoma, lipoma, actinic keratosis and angiomas, are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The Board found that there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service, to include herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the lack of access to his private medical records from Mid Carolina Cardiology. He was seeking payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred on July 28 and August 2, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's skin disabilities will be evaluated to determine if they are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing eczema did not permanently worsen during his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection based on aggravation.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including persistent depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's tinea versicolor was rated at a 10 percent disability rating effective November 1, 2010.

The Board finds that the Veteran's skin disability, including acne and dermatitis, was not incurred during active service or due to exposure to herbicide agents. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between any current skin condition and qualifying active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for jungle rot of the feet has been denied as there is no current diagnosis and no evidence linking this condition to his active military service.

The Board found that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected keloid scar have not been met or more nearly approximated for any period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart and lung disabilities are not related to his active service, and thus denied these claims. The skin disability is rated at 60%.

The Veteran's eczema and tinea pedis have been rated at a 30 percent since the beginning of the claim until November 30, 2014. From November 30, 2014, forward, the rating has been increased to 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's folliculitis and right knee disorder were not incurred in or related to his military service. The claim for folliculitis was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted, while the claim for a right knee disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's claim of an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 70 percent. The issue of a TDIU was also granted. The claim of service connection for fibromyalgia was denied. Service connection for PFB and bladder disorder were not established. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid & attendance/housebound status was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis (claimed as jungle rot) due to a lack of current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris are related to his service, warranting a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his left wrist and foot conditions, have made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 2007 through September 2009. From October 2009 to March 2013 he was able to work but has been unable to do so since April 2013.

The Veteran was granted service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, both of which are considered direct service connections. Service connection for chloracne was denied.,Service connection for psoriasis is established based on a current diagnosis dating back to 1976 during active duty. The Board found that the Veteran's current psoriasis is related to his in-service rash.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.