Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2009

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which were previously denied. The case is remanded to obtain private treatment records from the Cochran VAMC.

The Veteran's psoriasis has not affected more than 5% of his body or required systemic therapy, so he is not entitled to a compensable rating.

The Veteran's tinea was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 10% prior to July 17, 1999. A compensable rating was denied for the period from July 17, 1999 to July 7, 2008. Since July 8, 2008, tinea has been rated as noncompensably disabling.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for acne, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded for further development regarding whether the current acne or its residuals are related to service, including exposure to herbicides during Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis did not result from military service and denied his claim.

The Board found that stasis dermatitis did not have its onset in or is otherwise attributable to service, nor is it secondary to the Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the right foot. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's skin cancer metastasized to his colon and whether it is related to service or any of his service-connected disabilities. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance has been denied as he does not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and attendance due to his medical conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for psoriasiform dermatitis with atypical lymphocytes, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis warrants a 10 percent evaluation since August 30, 2002.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including loss of teeth, sinus condition, vision problems, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), tinnitus, skin disability, and residuals of a left knee injury were denied. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of a left knee disorder due to disease or injury incurred in service.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant did not meet the legal criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 or accrued benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic skin condition and tinea cruris, which he claims began during his service in Vietnam. The VA is directed to obtain additional treatment records from Dr. Turnbo and ensure that all relevant service treatment records are obtained. A VA examination should be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's current skin conditions are related to his active military service.

The Veteran seeks reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility on August 9, 2006. The VAMC denied the claim due to lack of prior VA authorization and because the treatment was not for a medical emergency.

The Veteran's skin disability, cystic acne with scarring of the face, affects approximately 40 percent or more of the face and neck. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for this condition under Diagnostic Code 7828.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral toenail fungus has not resulted in more than 5% of his body or exposed areas being affected, and no systemic therapy such as corticosteroids is required. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic skin condition in service or for many years thereafter, and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash due to shaving.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA examination. The Veteran's skin disorder is being considered on its merits without any presumption or secondary connection to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his inability to work is attributed to both service-connected and nonservice-connected conditions.

The Veteran's skin disorders, including dyshidrotic eczema, tinea pedis, dyshidrosis and foot disorder, are being remanded for additional development as the VA examiner did not provide a determination on whether these conditions were incurred during service.