Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for a skin disease, to include chloracne and eczema, and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents is presumed based on his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's residuals of cholecystectomy are granted with a 10% rating. The issues of service connection for psoriasis, left great toe joint pain, and chronic low back pain are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and review due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for eczema and service connection for a left shoulder disorder were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for eczema, as it covered less than 5% of his total body area and required only topical medication. For the left shoulder disorder, the VA examiner concluded there was no in-service injury or relationship to service.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate claims have been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's scars associated with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) are rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7820-7800. The current rating is based on three characteristics of disfigurement without visible or palpable tissue loss.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's tinea pedis is currently rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

The Veteran's skin condition is rated at the highest available rating (60%) throughout the appeal period, and no higher rating can be granted under the rating schedule.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions and determining if he qualifies for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has found that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his condition, as it has spread and he has used various corticosteroid creams for treatment.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne, xerosis (dry skin), and tinea unguium (onychomycosis) as these conditions are not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The VA examiners found no evidence of current or past diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, finding that the Veteran's tinea versicolor was not related to his military service and did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, and onychomycosis. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PFB was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to September 3, 2014 and a rating in excess of 10 percent since then.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and a skin disability, claimed as pseudofolliculitis barbae, were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.