Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his skin rash and PTSD diagnoses. The AOJ should also consider whether he is entitled to TDIU based on impairment attributable to his service-connected disorders.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's hand disability. The first issue is about a compensable initial rating for atopic dermatitis of both hands, and the second is about service connection for additional disability of both hands, including neurological impairment, due to the service-connected skin disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and his disabilities alone do not result in occupational impairment sufficient to warrant an extraschedular referral.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board denied service connection for cardiac arrest, hypoxemia, and anemia as these conditions are not related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and rating increases need to be remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for muscle aches and joint pain (claimed as joint pain, muscular pain, loss of memory, dizziness, rash, fatigue, and shortness of breath) is denied. The Veteran's right knee patellar tendonitis, status post ACL repair, has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The Veteran's lumbar paravertebral myositis and muscle spam with early degenerative changes from L3 to S1 requires further evaluation.

The Veteran's tinea pedis was granted service connection as it is considered a direct result of his military service, with the condition being related to psoriasis he had during service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and a VA examination. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has not affected more than 5% of his total body or exposed areas, and does not require systemic therapy. The Board denied a higher rating as the condition does not meet criteria for a 30% rating under DC 7806.

The Veteran's skin disability, including squamous cell carcinoma, is remanded for further examination and clarification of the nature and etiology of his condition. His exposure to toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances in service is also being verified.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee condition, GERD acid reflux, and dermatitis (skin condition) were denied in February 2006. The evidence did not establish a link between the current conditions and military service.,No new or material evidence was received within one year of the denial decisions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot dermatitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under current regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin condition due to in-service acne treatment, and hypertension due to duty service. The VA is instructed to obtain private medical records related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including reopening of service connection claims and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and he is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including a VA respiratory/lung disease examination, a VA skin diseases examination, and a VA sinusitis/rhinitis examination.

The Veteran's service-connected hallux valgus and intermittent atopic dermatitis have been granted a 10% rating. The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder has not met the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts, psoriasis arthritis, and hypothyroidism due to exposure to radiation. The RO is instructed to conduct further development regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure and provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and ratings related to PTSD and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for recurrent acne was denied due to his failure to report for a VA examination.,Claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, Gulf War syndrome, and vascular condition were previously denied as the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.