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

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and non-specific dermatitis of the torso and upper extremities, as these conditions are not presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, and a bad temper prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's widow is denied nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to her income exceeding the statutory maximum.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, bilateral knee disability, and left ankle disability as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is reopened but service connection is not granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for vascular tension headaches was denied prior to February 11, 2004. The Veteran's intermittent explosive disorder is not entitled to an increased evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after the March 2009 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fevers, chilly feelings, dyssomnia, aching joints, and a skin condition have been denied as there is no objective evidence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to inconsistencies in the VA examination report and the need for clarification of the Veteran's skin conditions prior to service.

The veteran's autoimmune hepatitis is granted service connection, and she receives a 30% initial evaluation for her dyshydrotic eczema. The veteran also receives an initial 10% evaluation for her sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected eczema/psoriasis of the hands is currently rated at 10 percent since January 26, 2009. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted prior to this date.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis is rated at a 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service dates and a VA examination to determine the nature and date of onset of any current skin disorder of the lower legs.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, tinea cruris, groin pain, and blackouts. The claim for left foot injury was also denied as there was no medical evidence connecting it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for nonspecific inflammatory polyarthritis and psoriasis/eczema, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board found service connection for tinnitus granted, but denied service connection for a chronic skin disorder due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined for his claimed skin condition and to provide an opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not related to a facial rash noted during service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death. The underlying causes of death were sepsis and pneumonia, which are not related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disorder and heart disability were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to chemicals. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.