Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn with respect to tinea pedis. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the low back disability is related to service, and granted service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's service-connected uterine leiomyoma, eczema, and headaches have been rated based on their respective criteria. The initial ratings for the conditions are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. He is now presumed sound with respect to eczema of the elbows, which he developed during active duty service. His foot disability (pes planus and hallux valgus) was noted at entry into service.

The Veteran's skin condition is presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. Service connection for this condition is granted.,There is no current diagnosis or persistent symptoms of dizziness and fainting spells, and the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for higher initial ratings for skin disability, to include tinea versicolor and dermatitis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right foot disorder and granted increased ratings for his knee disabilities, but denied reopening of other claims. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending claims, including those related to skin condition (chloracne), kidney condition, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and heart condition (ischemic heart disease).

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9413. The other conditions have not been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for a skin condition is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board found that he demonstrated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as marital problems, intrusive memories, irritability, difficulty sleeping, suicidal ideations, and hallucinations. Diverticulitis was not service-connected, and there is no evidence supporting a skin disability or prostate condition related to service.

The Veteran's back disorder, pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are all found to be related to service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not affect at least five percent of his entire body or exposed areas affected, and there is no evidence showing systemic therapy. Therefore, the claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for the consideration of additional medical evidence not previously reviewed by the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, increased ratings for his knee disabilities and skin condition, and TDIU at an earlier effective date than March 21, 2013. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting acne did not undergo an increase in severity during service, and therefore, it was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's skin condition was not manifested during his active service or for many years thereafter, and is not shown to be related to his active service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has ordered additional development due to remand instructions not being fully addressed, and the case is now REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected lichen planus, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis have been manifested by symptoms affecting less than 40% of his entire body or exposed areas. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis has affected less than 40 percent of his entire body and exposed areas, requiring only topical therapy. The Board found that a rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied, but granted.,Effective from July 20, 2004, the Veteran is now receiving service connection for his low back and neck conditions.