Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from February 28, 2011, to February 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and aortic stenosis were denied as new and material evidence was not received. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), residuals of a left arm injury with history of cubital tunnel (left arm injury), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and tinea cruris were all service connected. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's skin condition and right leg amputation are not service-connected, so he does not qualify for an annual clothing allowance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability other than seborrheic dermatitis was denied. The initial rating for TBI prior to October 23, 2008 was granted at 10%. From October 23, 2008 to July 22, 2015, the Veteran's TBI was rated at 40%. Since July 22, 2015, he has been rated at 70% and as of January 17, 2017, his rating is 100%.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability other than seborrheic dermatitis was denied. The initial rating for TBI prior to October 23, 2008 was granted at 10%. From October 23, 2008 to July 22, 2015, the Veteran's TBI was rated at 40%. Since July 22, 2015, he has been rated at 70% and as of January 17, 2017, his rating is 100%.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and right fourth finger disability were found to not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA rating codes. The highest available rating was zero percent, which is assigned when there is no limitation of motion or disfigurement.

The Veteran's guttate psoriasis and scar have been rated based on their current severity. The issues of service connection for right and left ankle disorders, as well as a separate rating for vision impairment related to the scar, are pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for a higher disability rating for right foot degenerative arthritis with right second hammertoe, bilateral tinea pedis, and non-service-connected pension benefits. The Board is dismissing these issues as the appeal has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Raynaud's syndrome, cellulitis, skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), cutaneous vascular disorder (CVD), and contact dermatitis and eczema have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current hearing loss or total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD, but granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to August 9, 2010, and a 20 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of service connection for psoriasis was denied as he did not provide evidence to reopen his claim and the RO granted him service connection in May 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, Type II. The effective date of the award is set to the date of receipt of the claim (October 24, 1995).

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which combined are at least 40% disabling and prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for chloracne and hypertension. The previously denied claims are therefore not reopened.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with vulvar lesions, ulcerations, and cysts, neurodermatitis, folliculitis, impetigo, dermatitis, psoriasis, shingles, and hypertension. The evidence indicates these conditions have persisted since service.,Service records show the Veteran reported vaginal symptoms (including warts) and skin issues in service. Her current diagnoses are consistent with her reported symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea cruris was rated at a 10 percent disability rating from July 14, 2010 to February 25, 2011. After that date, the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for recurrent seborrheic dermatitis with pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied. The Board found that the increase in disability occurred more than one year prior to August 11, 2011 and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.

The Veteran's tinea cruris was granted service connection and assigned a non-compensable rating effective May 7, 2007. The Board found that the criteria for an initial increased rating above non-compensable have not been met.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private treatment records from his doctors. A VA examination will also be scheduled to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted, and the Veteran is assigned a 10% rating. The effective date of this grant is June 26, 2013. Other claims are remanded.