Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has granted payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the University of Kentucky (UK) hospital from May 7, 2013 to May 8, 2013 due to the availability and appropriateness of care provided by UK Hospital for a stroke emergency.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for psoriasis is denied, and his service connection for psoriatic arthritis is granted on the basis that it is secondary to his already service-connected psoriasis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea cruris, finding that the condition began during service and resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain employment that could be considered substantially gainful versus just marginal in comparison, and the Board finds he is entitled to a TDIU benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dyshidrosis eczema of the hands and feet is at least as likely as not related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and skin disability other than pyoderma were denied service connection. The cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service due to lack of evidence connecting it to an in-service injury. PFB was granted as the condition began during service. The skin disability other than pyoderma was denied because there is no link between the in-service pyoderma and current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee condition, and Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) due to insufficient evidence. The case must be returned to VA so that they can obtain additional medical records and ensure all relevant personnel records are available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for eczema, right shoulder DJD, and thoracolumbar spine DJD and DDD require additional examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities. The remanded cases include a need for an updated VA examination to assess the extent of the Veteran's eczema, right shoulder disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) has been granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent, which is the maximum available under current regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis, sinusitis (claimed as respiratory/sinus condition), viral conjunctivitis, and a psychiatric disorder (claimed as ADHD) have all been denied.,There is no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions.

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.