Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and Tinnitus were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an initial compensable rating for recurrent tinea cruris with hyperpigmented changes, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, chronic tinnitus, and chronic skin disorder (including chloracne) are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin conditions, including eczema, vitiligo, alopecia, and discoid lupus erythematosus, were not shown to be related to his active service. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's skin disability, including jungle rot and psoriasis, is found to be related to service. However, there is no evidence of soft tissue sarcoma in service or currently.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinea pedis is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether his pre-existing condition worsened during service.

The Veteran's bilateral onychomycosis and tinea pedis of the toes and feet have been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 28, 2009. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to this date.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected left knee condition, and he is granted service connection for this secondary disability. For his seborrheic blepharitis associated with seborrheic dermatitis, the Veteran is awarded an initial 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including left wrist disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome with extensor tendonitis (claimed as right wrist disability), muscle deterioration with pain and aches, bilateral foot disability, tinea pedis, bilateral shoulder disability, and allergic rhinitis, sinus problems and sinusitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to clarify the period of service during which the VA examiner believed that the Veteran had symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The claims for service connection will be readjudicated based on all available evidence, including new private medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the hands and feet has been rated as 10 percent disabling since December 29, 1992. The Board found that the condition did not warrant a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for residuals of a fractured right wrist and history of tinea cruris/pedis (claimed as jungle rot) were denied. The Veteran was not shown to have PTSD due to in-service events, and his current disabilities did not meet the criteria for compensable initial or higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant and financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's dermatitis of the hands and feet was not incurred in service or related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his current treatment and further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and dermatitis (claimed as a skin condition). The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claim for a low back disorder, and he was denied on the merits. His claim for dermatitis is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating due to their combined disability rating of 40 percent, which does not exceed the percentage requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, his right knee and other service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's tinea pedis with bilateral plantar calluses is rated at 20 percent, which approximates moderately severe foot injury. The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus or a current skin disorder that can be presumed to have developed due to herbicide exposure. The Board denies service connection for these conditions.