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

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorders, including folliculitis, seborrheic keratoses, actinic elastosis, and erysipelas, are not related to his service or exposure to herbicide agents used in Vietnam. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, tinea versicolor, and a stomach disorder as secondary to PTSD. The decision found no nexus between the current disabilities and military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for sinusitis and eczematous dermatitis due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and fungal infection of the feet and groin. The veteran was found to have preexisting second degree pes planus that existed prior to his entrance into active service.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disability related to service and denied the veteran's claim. The RO is instructed to obtain VA treatment records from September 2007 onwards and SSA records for further consideration.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his skin condition was denied, and the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was also denied. The veteran is currently rated at 50% for his dishydrotic eczema of the hands and feet with recurrent cellulitis.

The veteran's claim for service connection for folliculitis is being remanded due to the need to obtain his personnel file, which may contain information about his shaving requirements during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin disorder, to include psoriasis, and for a compensable rating for a scar of the right lower leg. The denial was based on the absence of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at 10 percent effective May 15, 2000. The residuals of his right ankle fracture do not warrant a compensable rating.

The claim of service connection for tinea crura of the groin has been reopened, but remains denied.,Service connection for PTSD was not established.

The Board has granted service connection for xerosis and other conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, vertigo, chronic fatigue syndrome, folliculitis, right ankle disability, aphthous ulcers, sinus tachycardia, rhinosinusitis, hypertension, migraine headaches, and bilateral hearing loss. The psychiatric condition is also service connected.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of her skin conditions during an active period, and to determine the current severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and respiratory disorder. The RO must obtain all relevant medical records, including those from SSA and VA facilities, and then review the claims with consideration of all applicable laws and regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bladder cancer and cluster headaches, are being remanded due to the failure of the veteran to appear at a scheduled hearing.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne and benign prostatic hypertrophy, as well as the requested increased ratings for the veteran's gunshot wound disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions as a result of her service.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and a TDIU was denied. The VA has not obtained all relevant medical records, including those from the Jersey City Vet Center and private psychotherapist.

The Board has determined that the veteran's contact dermatitis does not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as it involves less than 20% of his entire body and no exposed areas. The condition is considered to be a direct service connection without any presumption or secondary linkage.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for vascular headaches, peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease of both upper and lower extremities, tinea pedis/fungus infection/onychomycosis of both feet, all claimed as secondary to cold exposure. The decision also denies his claims for new and material evidence regarding service connection for residuals of cold injury; bilateral hearing loss; weakness and numbness of both lower and upper extremities; disability of both hands, manifested by pain, stiffness, and cold sensitivity; disability of both feet, manifested by pain, stiffness, fallen arches, and cold sensitivity; sinusitis; bilateral ankle disability; and bilateral knee disability.