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

The Veteran's application for a clothing allowance was denied because he does not have service-connected disabilities that affect his ankles, wrists, or skin. His use of medication and wrist braces did not cause damage to his clothing.

The Veteran's skin disorder is being remanded for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his skin disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete information and need for a comprehensive examination of the Veteran's employment capacity given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his active duty service. The issue of service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to the need for a new examination and opinion.

The Veteran's eczema is not service connected as it was not caused by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as her service-connected disabilities did not result in such needs.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 10 percent, and his PFB is rated at 60 percent. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it covered less than 5 percent of his entire body and exposed areas. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from April 17, 2009, to December 11, 2013, and evaluations in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss and seborrheic dermatitis.

The Veteran's tinea pedis has not been shown to cover more than 5 percent of the total body area; it requires use of a topical antifungal cream and topical medication but no systemic therapy, corticosteroid treatment, or immunosuppressive drugs. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chest pain was denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disorder manifested by chest pain. The claims for increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne keloidalis nuchae are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's skin disorder, initially rated at 10 percent prior to February 21, 2012, has not shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating. As of February 21, 2012, but no earlier, the Veteran's skin disorder meets the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran is adequately compensated by the assigned 10 percent evaluation and does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's skin disability was rated at 10 percent prior to November 22, 2010 and denied for a higher rating. From November 22, 2010 onward, the Veteran's skin disability has been rated as 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's neurodermatitis has been rated at 60 percent since the appeal began, which is the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The disability manifests as intense itching and does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including hypertension, loss of taste/smell, skin disorder (acne), sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, gout, and vestibular disorder are granted. The service connection is established on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for an additional clothing allowance due to the use of desonide cream prescribed for his service-connected eczema was denied as the Undersecretary for Health did not certify that the medication caused irreparable damage to his clothing.

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for tinea pedis and dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.