Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at 30 percent prior to January 19, 2017 and denied for a higher rating thereafter.,Service connection has been granted for psoriasis.

The Veteran's skin conditions, including epidermal inclusion cyst and xerosis, resolved during service. His current skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma, are not etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's skin disability, tinea pedis with onychomycosis of both feet and dermatophytosis (claimed as tinea cruris of the groin), was rated at 10 percent since May 13, 2014.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a skin disability (tinea versicolor) are all service-connected. The decision also notes that the Veteran's in-service exposure to combat noise trauma likely contributed to his current conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 28, 2011 for a 60% disability rating for ulcerative colitis is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria consistent with a 60% disability rating from the date of original diagnosis.

The Veteran's son, C.N.F., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support due to physical conditions prior to reaching the age of 18. The Board granted the claim based on this finding.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than November 13, 2007 for the grant of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is not warranted. The Veteran's claim was received in November 2007 and he did not file a prior claim before this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his active service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new opinion on service connection for eczema.

The Veteran's service-connected acne vulgaris has been asymptomatic throughout the appeal period, with only a single one centimeter lesion on his buttock. The condition does not affect more than 20% of the total body surface or exposed areas and does not require any treatment (including systemic therapy or immunosuppressive drugs). As such, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's skin condition and GERD have been evaluated, with the skin condition denied service connection and the GERD granted a 60% evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred on October 6, 2015 was denied as the condition did not qualify as a medical emergency and therefore does not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental medical opinion from a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist regarding the etiology of the Veteran's dermatological condition(s) present during the appeal period. The Veteran is also to be provided with an opportunity to respond after any additional evidence is considered.

The Veteran's eye disorder, elbow disorder, shoulder disorder, bilateral foot disorder, kidney stones, sleep disorder, and skin disorders are not service-connected. The Veteran's vision problems during service were corrected with glasses/contact lenses.

The Board has granted service connection for folliculitis and hyperpigmentation, finding that these conditions began during service and are directly related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The decision also notes that there is no evidence of a diagnosis of chloracne prior to the appeal period.

The Veteran's hypertension is caused by his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, and thus he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetic nephropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and job skills. The Board granted entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for tinea pedis was denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.