Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's right elbow injury with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and his folliculitis prior to July 28, 2009 is also rated at 10 percent. Since July 28, 2009, the rating for folliculitis has been increased to 60 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder of the feet and headaches, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected tinea versicolor and dermatitis. The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to assess the current level of severity of his skin disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted an initial rating of 10 percent, but the psychiatric disorder and pseudofolliculitis barbae claims were denied. The appeal for service connection on all three issues is considered 'mixed' due to some elements being granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including VA examinations and the provision of updated medical records.

The Board has granted a rating of 60 percent for psoriasis vulgaris with bullous pemphigus, effective from September 13, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorder are found to be related to his military service. The skin disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and lichen planus, were not shown to have been present in service or for many years thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board finds that the Veteran did not have any of the claimed conditions during or as a result of his service in the military. Therefore, the claims for hair loss, diarrhea, right shoulder disability, chest pain, right hand disability, and chloracne are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of chronic dermatitis eczematoid and service connection for skin cancer, PTSD, and transient global amnesia were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's skin disability, diagnosed as dermatitis, is granted service connection. The Veteran's claim for diabetic neuropathy is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for acne is denied as there is no objective medical evidence of deep acne, and the conditions are not related to his service-connected acne.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported skin symptomatology did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current disability and no link between his active duty service and any diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 70% and his ability to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his nummular eczematous dermatitis. The claim will be reviewed after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation and a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected eczema of the hands was denied. The Board found that from July 1, 1993 to October 20, 1996, the criteria for a noncompensable (0%) evaluation were met. Since October 21, 1996, the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has determined that a VA Skin Diseases examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's folliculitis is related to in-service skin problems or chemical exposures. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's symptoms during service, including scaly rashes and abdominal pain, are consistent with early manifestations of systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE), warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded. His service connection claim for a back disorder is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for intestinal cancer, lung cancer, and chloracne for purposes of accrued benefits due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions during his lifetime.