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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, heart disease, prostate hypertrophy, chloracne, diabetes mellitus, type II, and headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, as PTSD does not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's brain disorder, periventricular microangiopathy, is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection for allergic rhinosinusitis and skin disorders of the arms and face and back are also granted due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 4, 2011 was denied as the evidence did not establish that he was unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew them prior to the decision. The Board also granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to multiple service-connected conditions preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's skin disability and his service. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his current skin condition is related to his time in service, particularly his exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's need for higher level of aid and attendance is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate under Section 1114(r) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or significant disabilities exceeding the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section.

The Board has denied service connection for a skin disability on a presumptive basis as secondary to herbicide agent exposure. The issues of service connection for dermatitis and a bilateral foot disability, specifically hallux valgus and pes planus, are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's surviving spouse is being provided another opportunity for the claims file to be updated and any necessary medical opinions obtained.

The appeals seeking service connection for various conditions are dismissed.,Service connection for a right knee disability is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of a rating in excess of 50 for PFB and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The TDIU claim is intertwined with the PFB claim. A new VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of the Veteran's skin disorder.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for chloracne is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his skin disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for chloracne due to herbicide exposure, as new evidence was submitted. The Veteran's in-service reports and post-service medical records support a finding of chloracne. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral foot dermatitis need further evaluation due to recent testimony indicating an increase in severity since his last VA examination. The case is being sent back for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and dermatitis of the anal and buttocks area are service-connected. The Veteran's duodenitis is not service-connected, but his dyspnea on exertion as an undiagnosed illness is also not service-connected. Headaches are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headaches, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied. The Board found that new evidence did not reopen the claim for a skin disorder, and that there was no nexus between any of these conditions and service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has not required regulation of activities due to its severity.

The Board found that the reduction in the rating from 60% to 10% for service-connected eczema was proper, and denied entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10%. The Veteran's eczema is characterized as involving less than 5% of the entire body or exposed areas.

The Board has denied service connection for a positive PPD skin test, finding no evidence of tuberculosis. The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and folliculitis.,Right wrist pain remains under review due to remand.

The Veteran's tinea pedis is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there are no scars or scarring and the disability affects less than 5% of the entire body.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and remanded the issue of service connection for a skin disorder due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.