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

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, septicemia due to or as a consequence of chronic pancreatitis, was not related to his active military service. The diagnoses of chloracne and peripheral neuropathy were linked to Agent Orange exposure, but these conditions did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The veteran's skin disorders, including generalized rash on legs, chest and back, athlete's foot, and allergic reaction, were not incurred as a result of service, either on a direct basis or as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is service-connected due to exposure to acoustic trauma during his combat duty in Vietnam. The claim for dermatitis as secondary to Agent Orange exposure remains pending, and an examination will be scheduled to determine its etiology.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected folliculitis is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current skin condition, including tinea corpus, cruris, and unguium, is related to his military service. However, chloracne was not incurred in or aggravated during active service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his skin disorder, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he has overcome employment impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities and currently does not have an employment handicap.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 19, 1999, for the grant of service connection for psoriasis.

The cause of the veteran's death was not related to his service-connected skin condition and anxiety neurosis.,There is no evidence that the veteran's cardiovascular disease was caused by or contributed substantially to his death.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of improved nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, finding that repayment would not cause undue financial hardship and defeating the purpose for which the benefits were intended.

The Board found that the RO's decisions denying service connection for PFB and a right knee disorder in August and October 1977 were not based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence of disease or injury incurred during service, and the conditions were considered developmental disorders.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The veteran's claims regarding his service-connected atopic dermatitis and TDIU will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as conducting examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and is considering other issues related to his exposure to herbicides. The decision on these claims will be reviewed after additional evidence is obtained.

The VA has granted a combined 10 percent evaluation for sarcoidosis with cutaneous involvement and tinea pedis and tinea versicolor, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board has determined that the RO's May 2000 decision denying reopening of claims for service connection for ulcers and an upper back condition is final. The evidence submitted since the May 1997 rating decision does not present new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The veteran has an employment handicap and meets the criteria for basic entitlement to vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic major depression and assigned a 10% disability rating for the veteran's dermatitis.

The veteran is seeking service connection for Chloracne, a skin condition, which he claims was caused by exposure to herbicides during his military service. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with new VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral arch pain and tinea pedis, finding no competent evidence of a present disability related to active service. The claim for an increased rating for hidradenitis suppurativa was also denied.