Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of the Veteran's lay evidence. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

PTSD rated at 70 percent from November 13, 2007,Chloracne remains at 30 percent

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for eczematoid dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his skin condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a penile rash, claimed as tinea cruris, is granted. The Board finds that the condition was incurred in service and resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the appeal for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's folliculitis, facial area; facial scars; and acne as of September 25, 2009.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for nonspecific eczematous dermatitis was granted with a 10% disability rating effective January 4, 2011. The issue of service connection for back disability has been withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for chloracne. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be proximately due to his service-connected hearing loss, while the evidence supports a direct relationship between the Veteran's chloracne and his military service.

The Veteran's cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease, is presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, PFB, and residuals of fractured ribs. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for chloracne was granted, and he is now receiving a 40 percent rating effective October 23, 2008. He also received a separate 10 percent evaluation for superficial, painful scars due to his chloracne.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinea pedis was incurred in service and granted service connection. For bilateral tinnitus, while competent evidence supported a current diagnosis, there was no probative medical evidence linking it to his military service.

The Veteran's acneform skin disorder is rated at the highest available schedular rating (30%) and does not meet criteria for a higher rating as it only affects 40% of exposed body surfaces. The disability does not necessitate frequent hospitalization or cause marked interference with employment.

The Veteran's preexisting acne was aggravated by service, resulting in current disability. Service connection is granted for this condition. The Board finds that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral ankle disorder, left inguinal hernia, left varicocele, bilateral knee disorder, and left wrist disorder.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of December 22, 1988 for the assignment of a 50 percent rating for his skin disorder (PFB with acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis). The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran is not shown to have actinic keratosis due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to gather additional medical records and conduct examinations for joints, eyes, and skin. The issues of service connection are inextricably intertwined with the issue of TDIU.

The Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations related to his claims, resulting in the denial of increased ratings and a claim for TDIU due to failure to provide good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected seborrheic dermatitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from March 15, 2005. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dermatitis of the face and scalp is being remanded due to his failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in connection with the previous remand. The case will be reviewed again after scheduling an appropriate examination.