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

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA opinion on his employability and whether he meets the criteria for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for joint pain other than in the left ankle and a skin disability were denied as they are not supported by evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that led to current disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and chloracne are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of stressors. The claim for hemorrhoids is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and his service treatment records are negative for any complaints or treatment related to chloracne. The Board found that he did not have qualifying service in the Republic of Vietnam, thus precluding him from presumptive service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left rib injury and allergic dermatitis, finding that there was no current diagnosis for either condition and that the Veteran did not have evidence to support his assertions regarding exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bronchitis with granuloma, postoperative (lung disability), bilateral hearing loss, duodenal ulcer, tinea versicolor, arms and chest, and tinnitus, render the Veteran unemployable. The Board finds that entitlement to individual unemployability is warranted.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris have not been shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), finding that the evidence did not show constant exudation, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected eczema requires the use of prescribed topical medications, which cause irreparable damage to outer garments. The Board finds that an annual clothing allowance for 2006 is warranted based on continued need for these medications.

The Board found that the Veteran's psoriasis did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his service, including exposure to herbicides. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis.

The Veteran's multiple epidermal inclusion cysts with acne vulgaris are currently rated at 30 percent, and his scar of the posterior right ear is rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the current evidence.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD that is based on verified stressors, and therefore service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for actinic keratosis, finding that it is related to the Veteran's active duty service. The case was remanded for further development regarding other skin conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder and skin disorders are not related to his military service, but granted service connection for the skin disorders as secondary to a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's hypertension and skin disabilities (including eczema, phototoxic dermatitis, sequelae of chemical dermatitis with silver exfoliation, and a cyst) were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board found no evidence of chloracne and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peeling hands, attributing it to herbicide exposure. The Board concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish a current disability or link it to service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinea pedis, and plantar fasciitis. The initial compensable evaluations for recurrent lipomas, multiple lipoma excision scars on the left flank and right elbow, and a left flank scar have also been denied. The Board has not addressed the claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right elbow, right ankle, right shoulder, lower jaw, right foot sural neuropathy, or left foot sural neuropathy as they are considered part of the initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease and hypertension, are granted due to exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee injury and bilateral foot problems, finding no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for chronic upper respiratory infections was withdrawn by the Veteran.