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

The Veteran's hydrophilic (Eucerin) cream for his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae does not cause irreparable damage to his outer garments, so he is denied a clothing allowance for the 2016 calendar year.

The claims for service connection for a low back disorder, left ear hearing loss, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and sleep disorder have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims.,The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, specifically regarding the Veteran's claims of facial burns, dermatitis, and eye disorders. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to address these issues.

The Veteran's skin condition (psoriasis) is rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted.,The bilateral hand disability due to psoriasis is currently rated at 20 percent and no higher rating is granted.,The bilateral foot disability due to psoriasis is currently rated at 30 percent and no higher rating is granted.

The Board denied service connection for skin conditions, vision impairment of the left eye, and fainting episodes with headaches claimed as due to ionizing radiation exposure. The Veteran's skin condition was found not to be related to in-service radiation exposure but rather post-service x-ray studies. His other diagnosed conditions were also deemed unrelated to radiation exposure.

The Veteran's appeal regarding effective dates earlier than August 7, 2016 for service connection for various conditions was denied.,The Veteran's appeals regarding initial disability ratings were either not addressed or remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including Meniere's syndrome, edema of the bilateral upper extremities, hepatitis C, trichinosis, dermatitis of the fingernails, and short-term memory loss. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus disability is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,The Veteran's kidney stone disability is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,The Veteran's psoriasis disability is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.

The Veteran's psoriasis was previously rated at 30 percent from May 1, 2013 to August 13, 2018. The RO has now reduced the rating back to 10 percent effective May 1, 2013. The Board finds that a restoration of the 30 percent rating is warranted due to the Veteran's topical treatment being considered systemic therapy.

The Board has determined that the October 2012 rating decision assigning a 60 percent disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus restored the 60 percent rating effective March 7, 2008.

The Veteran's psoriasis and associated psoriatic arthritis do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are already at the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis and the reduction of the rating for service-connected eczema. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently diagnosed, and there are in-service records indicating it occurred during his military service. For the eczema issue, a new VA examination is needed due to the lack of consideration of flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including frostbite and cold injury residuals, prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's psoriasis has been granted a 60 percent rating, but no higher, for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral tinea unguium and reproductive disorder (including erectile dysfunction and infertility) were denied as his current conditions are not related to service. The claim for reproductive disorder was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal and restored his prior disability ratings for thoracic strain and tinea versicolor, finding that the reduction in ratings was improper due to failure to adhere to applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is granted an initial 20 percent rating, while other conditions remain at their current ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions on service connection claims.

The appeal for service connection of PTSD and tinea cruris (claimed as jungle rot and skin rash) is dismissed. The appeal for service connection of erectile disorder, secondary to PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's dermatitis and PTSD were granted initial ratings, with the dermatitis receiving a 10% rating for certain periods and PTSD receiving a 70% rating since May 16, 2018.