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

The Veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or for a grant for necessary special home adaptations was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such eligibility due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal on his initial evaluations for GERD with small hiatal hernia and contact dermatitis is withdrawn. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional action, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient examination regarding potential service connection.

The Veteran's psoriasis was initially manifested by symptoms affecting less than five percent of the entire body or exposed areas. For the period on and after April 6, 2009, his psoriasis affected approximately five percent of the exposed areas and one to two percent of the total body surface area. The current evaluation is in line with these findings.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is found to be related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims for increased ratings for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atopic dermatitis is related to his service, including exposure to fluorocarbons during his active duty in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. His tinea pedis has not been shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for nummular eczema, finding that the Veteran's current condition is likely due to injury or disease during his period of active duty. Service connection for boils was denied as there was not enough evidence to support any conclusion.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA regulations.

The Veteran's skin disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of his skin disability. The claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chloracne, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, hyperlipidemia, or essential tremors. The claims are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and nummular eczema do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

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

The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis affects between 4 and 7 percent of his entire body, but none of the exposed areas. He is treated with antifungal ointments and medication, not systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, bilateral inguinal hernias, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for duodenal ulcer was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support reopening the skin disorder claim due to lack of new and material evidence. Bilateral inguinal hernias were also not service-connected as they are not shown to have originated during service or be related to a service-connected condition. The Veteran's duodenal ulcer was not rated higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected pompholyx with palm and sole involvement is manifested by complaints of reoccurrences of swelling and blisters, and treatment with topical creams, powders, and baths in salt waters. The disability involves less than five percent of the entire body and less than five percent of exposed areas affected, with no use of systemic therapy.

The Veteran's skin disability, including allergic hypersensitivity dermatitis, eczema, and chloracne, was incurred in service and the Board grants service connection for these conditions.