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

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher evaluations have been denied. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for psoriatic arthritis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, and hallux valgus. The claim for PFB was granted as it is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is granted for tinea versicolor, periodontal disease, and some other conditions. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's claims for hypertension as a qualifying chronic disability under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and urticaria, acne, and dermatitis or eczema (as secondary to tinea corporis) have all been denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for postoperative hemorrhoidectomy and pilonidal cyst are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. The claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral tinea cruris remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis did not have their onset in service, including as a result of exposure to herbicides. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran has current tinea cruris that had its onset in service, and the Board finds that this condition is related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for tinea cruris is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for contact dermatitis/tinea pedis, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board granted service connection for herpes simplex (HSV 1&2) effective September 16, 2008.,Service connection was denied for a low back disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Board has determined that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance for the Veteran's spouse is not warranted due to her functional capacity, which does not require personal assistance from others.

The Veteran's furunculosis and folliculitis of the pelvic area and upper posterior thighs were initially granted with a 30 percent rating effective February 17, 2005. The Board has now increased this to staged ratings higher than 30 percent for different periods.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is currently assigned a 10 percent rating for sinusitis, but not higher, due to the presence of three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Board found that the Veteran's right toe condition is not related to service, as it was diagnosed as tinea pedis and there is no evidence of a cold injury or chronic fungal infection during service. The left hip and left knee conditions are also not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and eczema and dermatitis due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board found no credible evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam or any other area where Agent Orange was used.

The Veteran's claims for prostate disorder, stomach ulcers, and skin fungus/rash/cancer are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's skin condition was diagnosed during service but not related to it.,PTSD and GERD with gastritis have been granted service connection.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of the right knee and dermatitis of the face before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability of the feet, including foot fungus and tinea pedis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.