Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar degenerative disc disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, cervical disc disease status post laminectomy and discectomy, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, malaria, tinea pedis with traumatized nails, and amebic dysentery, are reasonably shown to be of such nature and severity as to prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, a TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's onychomycosis with eczematous dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent prior to April 10, 2012. From that date forward, the condition warrants a rating of no more than 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin rash and eczema did not manifest during service, is not related to active service, and is not due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's eczema was rated at 10 percent prior to December 6, 2016, and his low back strain was rated at 10 percent from December 6, 2016. Both conditions were granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and tinea pedis and onychomycosis, as well as his claim of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The case is to be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disability, chronic pain disability, and TBI are not related to his military service. The appeal was reopened on new evidence but the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's fungal condition, including onychosis and tinea pedis, has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since June 2012. The Board finds that the current evaluation is appropriate as the disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral foot disorders are being remanded for further examination and opinion. His skin disorder is also being remanded due to conflicting opinions.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain VA examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorder, headaches, and respiratory disorder. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right leg condition, TBI, and tinea cruria as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, bilateral foot disability, psoriasis, and low back disorder were not incurred in or related to her military service. The claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The Veteran's PFB was rated at 10 percent prior to October 23, 2008 and increased to 50 percent after that date.,Neither rating meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chloracne and headaches were denied. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of chloracne, which is presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure under VA regulations. However, there was no evidence linking the Veteran's headaches to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including as due to herbicide agent exposure. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for atopic eczema with tinea pedis, onychomycosis, scars, and plantar keratosis was withdrawn. The claims of service connection for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides) and diabetes mellitus were denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA treatment records and examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected skin conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for painful scars of the left hand, right hand, neck, and chin associated with keratosis punctate et palmaris and pseudofolliculitis barbae, or an initial compensable rating for scars of the right hand associated with keratosis punctate et palmaris. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for scars of the left hand associated with keratosis punctate et palmaris was also denied. However, he is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his scars of the cheek and neck associated with pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the obtaining of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.