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

The Veteran's urinary frequency, due to his service-connected hypertension and medication use, is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the claims file and for further adjudication.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, a colon condition, a leaking breast, and a cyst due to insufficient medical evidence regarding their relationship to service.

The Veteran's skin disability, including eczema and tinea corporis, has not been manifested by at least 5 percent of his entire body or exposed areas affected. His skin disability also does not require systemic therapy.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the case is remanded for further development regarding his PFB.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral leg disorder is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The February 1985 rating decision for lumbar and cervical spine arthritis was upheld, with the VA finding that a single rating under Diagnostic Code 5003 was appropriate given x-ray evidence of involvement in two minor joint groups (lumbar and cervical spines). DIC benefits were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service skin symptoms and post-service diagnosis of tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and tinea pedis. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and effective date are remanded due to procedural issues. The initial rating claim for hypertension is denied, as a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. Separate ratings for seborrheic dermatitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae are requested but not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, dermatitis, diabetes, and heart conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for partial paralysis of the ulnar nerve with mild flexion contracture of the right fifth finger was dismissed. The Board also remanded cases regarding service connection for a low back disorder, compensable ratings for eczema and acne.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for psoriasis and arthritis of the index fingers due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s psoriasis.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an increased rating for psoriasis, keratosis, solar keratosis, and lentigo, as well as service connection for a skin disease other than psoriasis, keratosis, solar keratosis, and lentigo. The issues are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for eczema from August 19, 2015 to July 24, 2018 and denied any rating in excess of 10 percent since July 25, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and review. The appeals are not related to service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

Service connection is granted for type two diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and folliculitis. The issues of increased ratings for ankle and knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss, pharyngitis, acne, or a chronic disability manifested by an abnormal lab result for VA purposes. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic foot fungus (tinea pedis) is granted. The claim for service connection for anxiety disorder is denied. The Veteran's increased ratings for PTSD with mood disorder due to medical condition, and his claims for service connection for sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.