Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, back disability (as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability), left shoulder disability, and left elbow disability are related to his active service. The Veteran's tinnitus and vision loss do not have onset during active service or are not etiologically related to active service. Adult acne is also not related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether he meets the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance, acquiring specially adapted housing, or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board finds that the service-connected psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were a contributory cause of the Veteran's death, resulting in his cardiopulmonary arrest. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions were the principal or contributing cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his skin conditions, bilateral hearing loss, and left leg disorder. The VA examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are related to Agent Orange exposure in service.

The Veteran does not have a disability due to a cold weather injury in service, and his current foot disorders are less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for PFB and assigned a noncompensable rating initially, then increased the rating to 30 percent effective June 6, 2011. The Veteran's condition is rated as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck under Diagnostic Code 7800.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, neck condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). The decision also noted that there was no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (migraine headaches, chronic photodermatitis, exercise-induced asthma, and diabetes mellitus) prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience otherwise qualified him prior to June 10, 2005. The Board granted the claim for TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's depression is secondary to her service-connected disabilities and grants service connection for a skin condition, including hyperkeratosis. The claim of service connection for a skin condition is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeals of the determinations in the October 2010 and March 2012 rating decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability, tinea cruris and pseudofolliculitis barbae, has affected less than 20% of the entire body or exposed areas throughout the rating period from October 28, 2009. The current 10 percent disability rating is maintained.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae disability is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that the criteria for reentrance into rehabilitation to the point of employability following a determination of rehabilitation per 38 C.F.R § 21.284(a) are met, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the left heel and obtaining all pertinent VA outpatient treatment records since February 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated employment information and potential SSA disability benefits records. The case will be reviewed after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current dermatitis and onychomycosis are related to his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions and to determine if he has a current diagnosis of sleep apnea. The claims will be reviewed again after these developments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatitis and hemorrhoids began during service, warranting service connection for both conditions.