Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private medical records and ensuring all directives in this remand have been accomplished.

The Veteran's service-connected acne and onychomycosis have not met the criteria for a higher initial evaluation, as they do not meet the requirements for disfigurement or deep scars.

The Veteran developed contact dermatitis and burns on his back as a result of using a TENS unit prescribed by VA for his service-connected lumbar spine disability. These conditions resolved with discontinuation of the TENS use.,The Veteran also developed a gastrointestinal disorder, likely due to ibuprofen prescribed by VA for his service-connected lumbar spine and fibromyalgia disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected scar, right side of nose with acne infection, was manifested by a scar at least one-quarter inch wide at widest part; a surface contour of scar elevated or depressed on palpation; a scar adherent to underlying tissue; skin hypopigmented and hyperpigmented in an area exceeding 6 square inches; and skin texture abnormal in an area exceeding 6 square inches. The Veteran's disability warranted a 50% rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be due to exposure to noise during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The foot disorder issue remains pending as no clear decision was made.

The Veteran's initial claims for higher disability ratings were denied. The VA assigned a 10% rating for the status post acne vulgaris with facial scars, effective from August 1, 2008 onwards. No compensable ratings were granted for active acne vulgaris on chest and right lateral epicondylitis (formerly olecranon bursitis).

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, and his tinea versicolor is rated at 10 percent prior to October 24, 2008, and 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for eczematoid dermatitis and tinea pedis with postoperative heloma of the right fourth digital interspace, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing the claim as it pertains to this issue. Service connection remains pending for a chronic skin condition of the feet, chest, groin and ears (claimed as tinea corporis).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma is reasonably shown to have been caused by her service-connected atopic dermatitis, and therefore grants secondary service connection for asthma.

The Veteran's asthma is service-connected, and he was granted a noncompensable rating for his diastasis recti status post hernia. The Veteran received a 10 percent rating for his bilateral tinea pedis prior to September 27, 2010, and a higher rating since then.

The Board denied service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for Tinea Versicolor.

The Veteran's upper extremities/hand function is preserved, including grasping and manipulation. The Veteran has not lost the use of either arm or hand.

The Board granted service connection for a skin disorder, diagnosed as follicular dermatitis, and assigned a 30 percent rating. The claim was reopened on new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected psoriasis vulgaris and its effect on his ability to work.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting acne was aggravated by his active service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that service connection for tinea pedis is granted, with the condition being found to have onset during service. Service connection was not established for psoriasis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, low back strain, diabetes mellitus, cervical strain, and multiple knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that a TDIU rating is warranted based on the combined effect of these disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, finding that his claimed conditions did not have onset during service or are not related to service.