Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, finding that the conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected psoriasis.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional treatment records and provide the Veteran with an examination by a VA dermatologist to determine if his current skin disorders are related to his period of service, including heat rash and contact dermatitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic retinopathy which renders him legally blind, result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his claims, including the ones seeking service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic facial dermatitis.

The Board has ordered remand for additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated medical records and authorization to obtain further information from his providers.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for contact dermatitis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disability, and diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct or presumptive service connection due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for a chronic skin disorder to include chloracne and eczema, an initial disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression, and an effective date prior to January 5, 2006, for the award of service connection for PTSD with depression. The appeal is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a dose estimate of his total exposure to ionizing radiation due to his work duties and all sources of ionizing radiation (including alpha, beta, gamma and neutron).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder of the bilateral feet, claimed as residuals of immersion foot, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of the assigned disability ratings.

The Board denied service connection for acne vulgaris and residuals of right shoulder surgery, finding no evidence of in-service treatment or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a chest injury and hyperlipidemia prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The skin disability was not shown to cover more than 20% of the body or affect more than 20% of exposed areas, and treatment consisted of topical ointments prior to December 5, 2006. From December 5, 2006 through September 29, 2010, the Veteran's skin disability was assigned a maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7806. Since September 30, 2010, the Veteran's skin disability has been assigned an 80% rating, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7800.,The Veteran's right thumb disability was not shown to have a gap of more than one to two inches between the thumb pad and fingers prior to May 14, 2003. Since May 14, 2003, the Veteran's right thumb disability has been manifested by pain but no other objective evidence of functional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for atypical dermatophytosis has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no competent evidence of these conditions during or after his military service.

The Veteran's lichen planus and nummular eczema have been rated at 10 percent since July 10, 2007. The condition affects less than 20% of his body but more than 5%, with intensive light therapy or systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more during the past 12-month period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss effective from October 6, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his lumbar spine disability, including any associated neurologic symptoms. Additionally, he is seeking an increased evaluation for this condition and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain Social Security Administration records and further medical examinations regarding his skin conditions, PTSD, and boils.