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

The Board has dismissed the appeal for all service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his PTSD and skin disability, as well as the TDIU claim. The current rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's skin condition, chronic dermatitis, is rated at a 10 percent disability rating since the grant of service connection in June 2009. The condition affects less than 20% of his total body area and has been stable enough to warrant this rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acne has been granted, and he is now rated at the highest disability level (100%).

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted service connection and he is assigned a 20 percent initial rating.,His left ankle fracture and Achilles tendon repair are granted an initial 20 percent rating throughout the appeal period.,PFB of the neck is granted an initial 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service connection claims for malaria and psoriasis have been denied as there is no current disability of malaria, and the evidence does not support a finding that psoriasis began in or is related to active duty.

The Board denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, granted a remand for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, and remanded the issue of service connection for sinus condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for clarification on whether hydrocerin cream, used as a topical medication, can be considered a systemic therapy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acne, due to exposure to burn pits during service, is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder strain, lumbosacral strain, right knee disability (including right knee strain, degenerative arthritis, and medial compartment narrowing), and left knee strain were all granted service connection. The Veteran's clavicular pain was denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Acne vulgaris was also granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The remaining issues are related to back injury residuals, COPD, erectile dysfunction, chloracne, skin cancer, and neuropathies of the hands and extremities.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, whether he has an additional disability due to VA treatment in 2010, and the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, hip, great toe, cervical spine, hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities. The Board also requires a new examination for these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back strain and migraine headaches, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his application for total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of performing his activities of daily living and require regular aid and assistance to protect him from hazards.

The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent rating based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities is dismissed. The appeal of his claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and chest pain due to undiagnosed illness are granted.

The Board denied service connection for seborrheic dermatitis, a compensable rating for postoperative tonsillitis and pharyngitis, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a fracture of the right thumb with traumatic arthritis and limitation of motion. The Veteran's anxiety disorder was also denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was granted SMC at the (l) level based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, with all reasonable doubts resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected pemphigus with eczema is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent. The Board has determined that he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disability, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding the claim was not new and material.

The Board denied service connection for acne due to burn pit exposure, finding no direct evidence linking the condition to service.