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

The Veteran's skin conditions are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion, as well as consideration of service treatment records and post-service VA treatment records.

Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's eczematous dermatitis remains at a maximum schedular rating of 60 percent, as he does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under alternative diagnostic codes. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and depression) is remanded.

The Veteran's tinea cruris has been manifested by a rash covering less than five percent of unexposed areas and less than five percent of exposed areas, treated with topical therapy. The Board denied a compensable rating for the condition.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent prior to October 30, 2017 and at 30 percent from October 30, 2017 onward. The Veteran's dermatitis is rated at 30 percent since December 20, 2017. TDIU was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin disorders, including a rash on the feet and sebaceous cysts of the right deltoid, left thigh, and buttocks, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination during a flare-up of eczema, and considering whether to grant extraschedular consideration for the disability. The issue of TDIU is also being deferred due to its inextricability with the extraschedular rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for right shoulder rotator cuff, hemorrhoids, inguinal hernia, tinea versicolor, and bilateral hand eczema. The Board also requested a new examination for PTSD.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for psoriasis is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection of acne and assigned a rating of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C and dyshidrotic eczema due to incomplete evaluations and need for additional medical opinions.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection of acne is well grounded and grants a rating in excess of 30 percent.

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

The Veteran's skin condition, including contact dermatitis, other eczema, folliculitis, and 'drug eruption vs. psoriasis vs. eczema,' is being remanded for further development as the Board finds the previous examination inadequate due to its failure to consider the Veteran's credible reports of experiencing a rash during and since service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of a left knee condition and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The effective date assigned was August 26, 2009.

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

The Veteran's service-connected dyshidrotic eczema of the bilateral hands and fingernails is rated at 60 percent since January 30, 2013. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date is denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's tinea cruris/corporis has been rated as non-compensable throughout the appeal period. The Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to its limited extent and treatment. The issues of service connection for blurred vision, left ankle disability, and multiple lipomas are remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) was rated at 10 percent prior to August 21, 2015 and denied for a higher rating. After August 21, 2015, the condition was rated at 30 percent and denied for an increased evaluation.