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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current seborrheic dermatitis began during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board has determined that a hearing should be scheduled at the earliest opportunity.

The VA determined that the Veteran's skin disorders are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, left knee disability, left hip disability, brain tumor, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis of the toes are all denied. The Veteran's hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, while his PTSD remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of October 29, 2005, and the Board finds that an effective date of this date is warranted for his TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's IBS with associated GERD and skin disability of the head and face are both found to be related to service. The Board grants these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disabilities, including dyshidrotic eczema, tinea pedis, boils, and fungal infections, are not etiologically related to his in-service exposure to chemicals. However, the Board determined that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae/furunculosis is etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 50 percent since October 29, 2015. The highest schedular rating for sinusitis under Diagnostic Code 6513 has been granted.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at 60 percent since September 6, 2012. The criteria for a rating of 60 percent for cardiomegaly have been met from the date of claim until August 11, 2009. As of August 12, 2009, the Veteran's cardiomegaly is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's children, J.M. and N.W., were recognized as dependents for purposes of an increase in her compensation award effective June 9, 2010. The appeal is granted with the effective date set at October 7, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected digestive disability, including GERD and dysphagia, is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds a separate rating of 10 percent for esophageal stricture under Diagnostic Code 7203.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dermatological/skin disorder and finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including his service in Southwest Asia. The Veteran developed eczematous dermatitis, cystic acne, and neurodermatitis during or shortly after his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of dermatitis is related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for dermatitis of both legs as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current toenail and skin disorders of both feet, as well as his skin disorders affecting both lower legs, were incurred during service. The evidence supports this finding based on the Veteran's combat service in Vietnam where he was exposed to wet conditions and fungal infections.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder, specifically tinea corporis and tinea cruris, did not have its onset during or is etiologically related to his active duty service. The VA examiner opined that the current skin disorder was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her right leg varicose veins was denied, and the Board found that she did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current condition of coronary artery disease status post stent placement and myocardial infarction, as well as tinea pedis with onychomycosis and callous.