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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for a VA examination regarding his arthritic disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for higher initial disability ratings in all three cases, and the Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities was denied as the claim is not warranted under VA regulations.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service-connected.,The claim for tinea cruris of the groin area has been reopened and remains on appeal.,The claims for skin rash of bilateral feet and skin rash of the back have not been reopened.,Service connection for these conditions remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection for an eye disorder including glaucoma and cataracts is denied because the conditions are not shown to be related to service. The earliest documented diagnosis was 9 years after separation from service.,The Veteran's claim for a bilateral shoulder disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. The only mention in STRs were for pseudofolliculitis barbae, not shoulder issues.,Service connection for a left knee disorder is denied because the Veteran did not have any complaints or treatment for this condition during service and has no current diagnosis.,The claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied as there was no mention of this condition in STRs and no current evidence of a disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of frozen feet, residuals of gunshot wound to feet, and tinea pedis have been denied. The claim for pes planus has been granted.,The Veteran’s claim for acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and is currently pending.

The Board has decided to remand both issues on appeal due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence. The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is currently diagnosed, but there is no indication in his service treatment records of reports or treatment for this condition. His spouse reported noticing dryness around his eyes upon his return from service in 2010, which she identified as eczema.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal.,Service connection was denied for cervical, low back, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran did not have TBI or a vision problem at any time during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to uncertainty regarding his periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) and a need for further examination.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, Gulf War Syndrome (to include psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and unexplained aches and pains), PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is denied.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's eczema is rated at 60 percent, adjustment disorder with depressed mood is partially granted to 70 percent and a separate rating of 10 percent for right knee instability is granted. The initial rating for the right knee disability (claimed as insomnia and night sweats) remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The dermatitis, sinusitis, diabetes, and hypertension claims are denied.

The Veteran's skin conditions (seborrheic keratosis and eczema) are being remanded for clarification of the etiology. The eye condition claims are also being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the service-connected diabetes mellitus and the Veteran's eye conditions.

The Veteran's psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis have been rated at 60 percent since July 13, 2004. The Board found that the Veteran has required constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids for his skin disability throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of genital herpes, as well as the issues regarding lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy, bilateral tinea pedis, and tinea cruris. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to assess his current disabilities.

The Veteran's use of benzoyl peroxide for his service-connected skin conditions caused irreparable damage to his clothing, specifically the shirt collars. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the 2018 calendar year due to this damage.

The Veteran's PFB affects less than 5% of his body and requires topical treatment, which does not require systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. The Board denied an increased rating for the disability.

The Veteran's skin disability, including dermatitis or eczema, chloracne, acne, and acne-like lesions, is attributable to service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's skin disorder on the feet, including tinea pedis and onychomycosis, is granted as service connected. The Board found that symptoms of the current condition had their onset during active duty service.