Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinea corporis of the scalp and body is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected senile purpura, tinea unguium, and folliculitis affects more than 5% but less than 20% of the entire body or exposed areas. The VA examiner found that topical therapy was required during the past 12-month period, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7806.

The Veteran's dermatitis/eczema disability is currently rated at 30 percent, effective prior to June 16, 2014. The right shoulder limitation of motion issue remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's PFB does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent, as there is no evidence of disfigurement or significant scarring. The headaches are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected folliculitis affects less than 20 percent of his body and exposed areas, requiring topical but not systemic treatment six weeks or more a year. However, it is not constant and does not result in disfigurement.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 11, 2013.,For his left knee subluxation, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for separate ratings for left knee flexion and extension prior to October 28, 2015.

The Veteran's eczema, tinea pedis and tinea corporis have been rated as non-compensably disabling due to the nature of the skin conditions not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The scar from mole removal on the left foot has also been rated as non-compensably disabling.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability other than chloracne and manifested by acne, cysts, and scars from cyst removal was denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chloracne was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for acne vulgaris is being remanded due to the need for additional examination. His service connection claim for depression has been reopened and granted, but this matter is no longer in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, skin disability, and right leg disability are not related to service.,Specifically, the VA examiner found no link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board finds that service connection is granted for porphyria cutanea tarda due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The claim for dermatitis, which is not presumptively associated with Agent Orange exposure, remains in equipoise and thus cannot be granted on a direct basis.

The Veteran's acneform rash does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold criteria for a TDIU, and his employment with the Albany DMV is considered substantially gainful employment rather than marginal employment in a protected environment. Therefore, he does not qualify for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected psoriasis and posttraumatic stress disorder have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings and effective date issues related to onychomycosis, bilateral feet, and contact dermatitis. The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide these matters as the appeal has been withdrawn.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for tinea cruris, effective April 15, 2014. The Veteran's use of topical corticosteroids was found to be 'constant or near constant systemic therapy' during the past 12-month period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA skin examination and obtaining pertinent records. The claim will be adjudicated in light of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's psoriasis is rated at a maximum of 60 percent, which meets the criteria for an increased rating. The other skin conditions are not separately evaluated as they are related to his primary condition (psoriatic arthritis).

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for dyshidrotic eczema with herpes simplex II and onychomycosis was granted, resulting in a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his vesicular eczema of the feet was denied as there is no evidence that it affected more than 5% of his total body or exposed areas, and he did not require systemic therapy.