Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic back disorder, an increased rating for tinea pedis, and an increased rating from initial grant of service connection for scar, right anterior tibia. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those allegedly related to herbicide exposure, are granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the relationship between the veteran's service-connected conditions and her current health issues.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and chloracne as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, based on verified stressors during the veteran's service in Vietnam.

The RO denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected acne vulgaris and a compensable disability rating for the residuals of a fracture of the left middle finger.

The veteran's service-connected varicose veins with stasis dermatitis are currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling. The VA examiner found medium-sized varicose veins in both legs, but noted that the edema was relieved by elevation of the extremities. As a result, the Board determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date of July 20, 1998 for the assignment of a 50 percent rating for service-connected acne vulgaris.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions and assigned initial ratings, but denied others. The veteran's claim is now remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated at 30 percent, and his fractures of the second and third toes, right foot are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that these evaluations are appropriate based on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment.

The veteran's service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities do not permanently and totally preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, as determined by VA examinations and private medical records. Therefore, his claim for pension benefits is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and chloracne, claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, will be readjudicated.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a skin rash, 'jungle rot' of the feet, chloracne or other acneform disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, porphyria cutanea tarda, and soft tissue sarcoma, were denied as these conditions are not shown to be present.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to their severity.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various skin conditions and an increased rating for epidermophytosis of the hands and feet. The case is being remanded to allow for further development, including scheduling a VA dermatology examination during the summer months when the veteran experiences most symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for psoriasis, finding that there was no as likely as not relationship between his active military service and his psoriasis.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's acne scars, but denied service connection for his skin disorders (other than acne scars). The acne scars are found to be of service origin. However, there is no medical evidence establishing a causal link between the veteran's skin disorders and his military service.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including a fracture, psychiatric disorder, foot fungus, gastrointestinal issues, sleeplessness, headaches, hair loss, and acne. The case is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service medical records.

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for acne vulgaris and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound are both pending. The Board has remanded the case to allow for further development, including a VA examination.