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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, claimed as eczema, contact dermatitis, skin tags, and acne is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's skin disorder and bilateral hearing loss have been evaluated, but the evidence does not support a compensable rating for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) has been rated at 10 percent since the appeal began. The Board found that his condition does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating as it does not cover more than 20 to 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas, and he is not using systemic medications.

The Veteran's left leg varicose veins with deep vein thrombosis and dermatitis are rated at a 60 percent disability level, which is the highest rating available under the applicable VA rating criteria. The decision also notes that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher 100 percent rating due to lack of board-like edema.

The Board has found that the Veteran's chloracne is related to his in-service herbicide exposure, specifically Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for chloracne is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and eczema were denied. The claim for TDIU was not addressed as it is related to a different issue.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The Board found service connection for a bilateral eye disorder to be reopened based on new evidence but denied other claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis warrants a rating of no more than 30 percent, considering the frequency and severity of his symptoms. The other claims have been remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and have denied all of his claims.

The Veteran's tinea pedis affects less than five percent of his entire body and requires topical medication for treatment. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disabilities, including actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratoses, warts, and tinea cruris, were not caused by or related to his service, including exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinea pedis and onychomycosis was denied. The Board found that the condition did not affect more than 20% of his exposed areas or require systemic therapy, thus warranting a 10% rating.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, vision disability, neuropathy, and heart disability were all denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service. The Board also found that the Veteran's skin condition did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, multiple myeloma, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a chronic skin disorder. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted service connection for neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as sleep apnea, all secondary to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for soft tissue sarcoma is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a circulation disorder other than venous insufficiency with venous stasis dermatitis, and a skin disorder other than venous insufficiency and venous stasis dermatitis. The Board found that there was no evidence of direct service connection or secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for leukopenia and acne of the face, back of head, and neck as they are not considered disabilities eligible for service connection. The Veteran's skin condition was also not related to exposure to herbicide agents or otherwise linked to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for eczema, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, or a shoulder disability.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected scar post follicle drainage status post folliculitis infection from February 10, 2017. The rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae remained at 30 percent.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, which covers more than 20 but less than 40 percent of the exposed areas and requires systemic therapy for six weeks or more during the past year.