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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and arthritis of the bilateral knees, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim for chloracne. The Board also found that the current knee conditions were unrelated to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's current skin disorder, diagnosed as acne, can be reasonably disassociated from his military service. The Board finds that the Veteran currently has acne which was incurred during his active military service and grants service connection for acne.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, a skin disability other than pseudofolliculitis barbae, headaches, left wrist and foot disabilities, tinnitus, lung disability, and left hand disability. The decision also addressed issues related to initial compensable ratings for hallux valgus of the feet and sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer, which caused his death, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's folliculitis was previously rated at 10 percent and increased to 30 percent effective April 14, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating for his folliculitis prior to April 14, 2010, but did find that he meets the criteria for a higher initial rating of 30 percent beginning April 14, 2010.

The Veteran's skin condition of the groin and right hand injury residuals have been granted service connection, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for eczema is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's skin disorder, characterized by multiple pitting scars covering the beard area, including a 6 cm x 2 mm lateral scar line across the cheek and an 11 cm fold under his chin, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent as it does not demonstrate visible or palpable tissue loss with either gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features or two or three characteristics of disfigurement.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a TDIU in September 1978, November 1983, and August 1989. The appeals were not granted due to the severity of his service-connected skin condition and PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and extent of any current foot disability, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran's partial amputation of two toes in service may have aggravated a pre-existing condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability and his request for an increased rating for PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic skin disorder related to military service, including exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected folliculitis is rated at 10 percent effective February 25, 2009. The rating for the scar of the left ring finger remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected eczematous dermatitis. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional development, including an examination and opinion regarding the extent of the Veteran's skin disability and its impact on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's July 1983 statement constituted a valid notice of disagreement, and thus, the June 1983 rating decision is not final. The case will be remanded for further development including a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's skin disorders.

The Veteran's skin disorder of the feet, claimed as jungle rot, was not found to be related to his military service or exposure to herbicides. His claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin disorder, including chloracne. The VA will need to provide an examination and determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service treatment or exposure to herbicide agents.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a skin disorder and eye complaints as due to an undiagnosed illness are granted. The initial ratings for plantar fasciitis and pes planus of the left foot, as well as lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to scheduling issues for his Board hearing. The specific conditions and issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.