Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and cluster/migraine headaches, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected dyshidrotic eczema of the hands, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, tinea pedis (skin rash and peeling skin of both hands and feet), deviated septum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and insomnia. The veteran's service records show that he experienced stressors related to his service in Southwest Asia, including exposure to enemy combat situations and witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, stating he was content with the current disability evaluations for his service-connected skin conditions.

The veteran's chloracne, a skin condition related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in the Republic of Vietnam, is granted.,There is no evidence showing that the veteran has numbness of the hands and arms or an eye disability characterized by sensitivity to light associated with Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied service connection for chronic dermatitis of the hands, finding no evidence that it was incurred in or caused by service.

The RO granted service connection for tinea corporis and assigned an initial noncompensable evaluation, which was later increased to 10 percent effective October 14, 2000. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board found that the veteran did not timely perfect an appeal of his increased disability rating for chronic lumbar strain, and denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to lack of evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment solely from his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's psoriasis has likely been made worse by his service-connected PTSD, and the Board finds that secondary service connection for psoriasis based on aggravation is warranted.

The Board found that there was no evidence of a circulatory disorder involving the legs and feet, claimed as stasis dermatitis, being incurred in active service or during an applicable presumptive period.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current skin disorder, diagnosed as eczematous dermatitis, is of service origin and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of the veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The VA has denied an increased rating for acne, finding that the veteran's condition is under control with medication and only very sporadic outpatient treatment.

The Board has granted service connection for seasonal allergies but denied a higher rating for tinea pedis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his acne vulgaris. The case will be returned to the RO after these actions are completed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and addressing the TDIU claim. The RO will also review the chloracne rating based on pre-August 30, 2002 criteria.

The veteran's service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae was established, and the effective date of this grant was adjusted to October 3, 1975. The claim for a higher disability evaluation remains pending.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for peptic ulcer disease, effective July 2000. The claim for eczema, tinea pedis, and dyshydrosis was also granted. However, the claim for status post right hip injury remains at its current 10 percent evaluation.