Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented with which to reopen the veteran's service connection claim for psoriasis. The RO previously denied this claim in October 1968, but the veteran submitted additional medical records indicating his current condition of psoriasis and its relationship to military service.

The Board found no current evidence of chloracne and determined that the veteran's skin disability did not originate in service or due to exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various skin conditions, including dementia and hematuria, are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his case.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected skin lesions on the forearms, as they did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the revised Diagnostic Code 7806.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and a blood condition must be remanded due to the need for additional development, including clarification of opinions regarding in-service aggravation.

The VA determined that the veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as tinea versicolor and folliculitis, was not incurred during his military service or due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and a low back disability. The decision found that there was no evidence of chloracne within one year after separation from service, and thus could not be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. For the low back disability, the claim is remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including as due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that there is no evidence of current disability related to active military service or events therein, and thus denying the claim.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for service connection for chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure, finding no competent medical evidence showing a link between his in-service exposure and any current skin disorder.

The veteran's service-connected headaches are rated at 30 percent since October 3, 2006. His bilateral tinea pedis is currently rated as noncompensably disabling.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection for dermatitis of the hands, secondary to Agent Orange exposure had not been received. The case is REMANDED to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC for further development before readjudicating the claim on the underlying merits.

The veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for chronic contact dermatitis prior to April 9, 2008 was denied. However, the claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 60 percent for chronic contact dermatitis after April 9, 2008 was granted.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the initial compensable evaluation of the right ankle fracture and all other issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for service connection purposes related to his claimed hearing loss, gallbladder removal, dermatitis, and cellulitis. The VA examination did not show any current disabilities in these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder/PTSD, rated at 70 percent disabling, has prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus beginning March 29, 2006. For eczematous dermatitis, the veteran was initially granted a 10 percent rating effective September 20, 2004, and increased to 60 percent effective January 11, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for scars on the neck and scalp, finding that they are related to the veteran's service-connected dermatitis. The claim for an increased rating for seborrheic dermatitis remains denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a total rating for compensation based on individual unemployability and failed to restore service connection for dyshidrotic eczema.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected chronic dermatitis of the hands, feet and elbows.

The Board found no current chronic disabilities related to the claimed perianal cyst, left ankle injury, or tinea cruris. The veteran's end stage renal disease is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking it to his in-service urology problems.