Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for left and right knee disabilities is denied, as the evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service. Claims for sleep disturbances, insomnia, depression, and anxiety are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right foot hammertoes, as well as acne vulgaris with scarring prior to January 31, 2012. The maximum rating of 10 percent was maintained for all conditions.

The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, psoriasis of both hands, bilateral lower extremity nerve condition, and heart disease is reopened. The claims are remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure to toxic chemicals during military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of three issues: a rating for eczema, service connection for grand mal seizures, and an increased rating for eczema. The appellant's representative requested withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, to include as secondary to PTSD. The reasons are that the VA examiner did not accept the Veteran’s assertions of in-service psoriasis symptoms as credible evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, specifically tinea pedis (Athlete’s feet), finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no aggravation during service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the current disability began during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, as well as his dermatophytosis (tinea unguium, tinea pedis, tinea cruris and tinea corporis), are all rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the cases for further development to ensure that the examinations comply with current legal requirements.

The Board has found that additional development of the Veteran's claims for higher staged initial ratings for tinea versicolor, service connection for low back disability and neurological disabilities is necessary due to outstanding service treatment records. The RO must obtain all relevant VA treatment records and provide the record on appeal to a VA dermatologist or another appropriate examiner.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetic nephropathy, voiding dysfunction, or stasis dermatitis.

The Veteran's skin condition is being remanded for further development and examination to determine if it is related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and assistance, which is granted for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the service connection for various disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for dermatophytosis, to include pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that he does not have a confirmed diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and acne with scarring due to insufficient medical opinions addressing causation, aggravation, and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The herniorrhaphy scar, folliculitis, bilateral big toenail removal, onychomycosis of the great toes, and inguinal hernia are all rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and low back disorder due to lack of evidence on aggravation.

The Board dismissed the appeal of issues related to bilateral trapezius muscle disability, chest pain, and increased evaluations for left and right hip disabilities due to the absence of an adequate substantive appeal.,An evaluation in excess of 10 percent was denied for dermatitis as it did not meet the criteria under DC 7804 or any other applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and physical impairments, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU benefits.

The Board has decided that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current skin disorders are related to his service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent rating for tender scars of the head, face or neck with pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne keloidosis of the scalp is denied as there is no legal or factual basis for such.