Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's linear scars, post bilateral breast reduction are not rated compensably due to the absence of disabling effects not considered in a rating provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04.,The Veteran's folliculitis of the pubic area is not rated compensably as there is no evidence of intermittent systemic therapy or characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of the entire body affected; or at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of exposed areas affected.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis and remanded the issue of rating an increased disability for a skin condition, including PFB and onychomycosis.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for gastrointestinal, prostate, and chloracne disabilities due to the lack of a VA examination or opinion regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is not established.

The Veteran's current 50 percent rating for scarring due to acne vulgaris is denied as the evidence does not demonstrate that he has six or more characteristics of disfigurement on his face, which would be required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions have been denied. The issues of service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding alleged exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals during his time in Okinawa.

The Veteran's bladder cancer and right inguinal hernia scar have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine spondylosis, left ankle sprain, lung disability (to include tuberculosis), and psoriasis due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions, including whether they affect his cervical spine and right hip. The claims will also be reviewed to ensure all relevant medical records have been considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for extension of temporary total disability rating, increased ratings, and individual unemployability due to service-connected conditions. The appeal was not timely filed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is granted, while claims for major depression and skin disorders are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on lumbar strain, eczema, hypertension, and dry eye syndrome have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for left and right knee disabilities is denied, as the evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service. Claims for sleep disturbances, insomnia, depression, and anxiety are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right foot hammertoes, as well as acne vulgaris with scarring prior to January 31, 2012. The maximum rating of 10 percent was maintained for all conditions.

The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, psoriasis of both hands, bilateral lower extremity nerve condition, and heart disease is reopened. The claims are remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure to toxic chemicals during military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of three issues: a rating for eczema, service connection for grand mal seizures, and an increased rating for eczema. The appellant's representative requested withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, to include as secondary to PTSD. The reasons are that the VA examiner did not accept the Veteran’s assertions of in-service psoriasis symptoms as credible evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, specifically tinea pedis (Athlete’s feet), finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no aggravation during service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the current disability began during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, as well as his dermatophytosis (tinea unguium, tinea pedis, tinea cruris and tinea corporis), are all rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the cases for further development to ensure that the examinations comply with current legal requirements.

The Board has found that additional development of the Veteran's claims for higher staged initial ratings for tinea versicolor, service connection for low back disability and neurological disabilities is necessary due to outstanding service treatment records. The RO must obtain all relevant VA treatment records and provide the record on appeal to a VA dermatologist or another appropriate examiner.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetic nephropathy, voiding dysfunction, or stasis dermatitis.

The Veteran's skin condition is being remanded for further development and examination to determine if it is related to his service or a service-connected disability.