Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sarcoidosis of the skin with complaints of joint pain, bilateral heel spurs with arthritis of the tarsal bone, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence showing that any condition requires constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period. The rating schedule does not provide a separate rating for pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral pes planus, bilateral tinea pedis, and major depressive disorder with features of dysthymic disorder) do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, his claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 70 percent since August 7, 2008. The other conditions (tinnitus, chloracne, intermittent claudication of the legs) have not been resolved in this decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain and tinea cruris. The claim for low back strain was denied due to a lack of medical evidence linking the current condition to service, while the claim for tinea cruris is pending as further examination and opinion are needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, claimed as dermatitis, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his military service. His bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris are granted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and he has a separate 20 percent rating for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity. The other conditions are not rated higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatitis, characterized as dyshidrosis, was incurred during his active service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic dermatitis prior to March 1, 2005 was granted with a 30% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal, hearing loss, left wrist, left ankle, and skin conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and skin disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis does not warrant a compensable rating as it affects less than 5 percent of his entire body and exposed areas, with no evidence of painful scarring or disfigurement.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied. The appeals for initial compensable evaluations for residual of scars, bilateral inguinal hernia repairs and folliculitis barbae were withdrawn by the Veteran. The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for blastocystis hominis remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his skin disability was denied, and the claim for service connection for PTSD was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806 (for dermatitis or eczema), as less than 5% of the entire body or exposed areas were affected.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including chloracne, is being remanded for further examination and determination of its etiology.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and groin rash claims are being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for deep venous thrombosis with venous insufficiency, stasis dermatitis and eczema, peripheral artery disease is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and medical opinion regarding service connection for a skin disability due to lack of current evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acne of the back, head, face, and neck was not caused or aggravated by service, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection is denied.