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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The issues of new and material evidence to reopen certain claims related to herbicide exposure are also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for contact dermatitis and latex allergy was granted effective July 29, 2002. The initial rating assigned is 10%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and dermatitis have been denied as there is no evidence of a link between the conditions and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and service connection as there was no timely substantive appeal filed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for acne rosacea of the face, a heart valve disorder with fatigue (aortic insufficiency), and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an anxiety disorder. The skin disorder of the hands and feet, including leg lesions, will be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities prevent him from successfully achieving his chosen vocational goal of pursuing a master's degree in social work. The VR&E Division found that he did not maintain satisfactory conduct and cooperation in developing and implementing the program, and mitigating circumstances beyond his control are not demonstrated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of hemorrhoidectomy was reopened due to new and material evidence. However, his request for an earlier effective date for tinea pedis with onychomycosis remains denied.,Service connection has been established for tinea pedis with onychomycosis, but the RO found that no effective date prior to May 19, 2000 is warranted.

The Veteran's skin condition, chloracne and large plaque parapsoriasis, has been rated at 30 percent since February 11, 1998. The RO is instructed to arrange for a VA examination of the Veteran’s skin disorder to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board found no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability or undiagnosed illness related to the Veteran's service, and denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to the RO for further development, including additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, adjustment disorder with depression, was reopened. Service connection for cystic acne is denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her stress fracture of the left femoral neck (with bursitis) is granted at 20 percent. An effective date earlier than July 16, 2008, for the grant of service connection and a 10 percent rating for left thigh postoperative scar is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne and remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions, particularly considering potential side effects from medications used for other conditions.

The Veteran's skin rash was not incurred or aggravated by service and is not related to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was rated at 30 percent effective October 6, 2009. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request.

The Board has granted service connection for atopic dermatitis, which includes eczematoid dermatitis on the upper and lower extremities, lichen simplex chronicus, tinea pedis and cruris, and xerosis. The condition is considered to be related to active service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for digestive symptoms, hair loss, skin condition, thickened saliva, chest pain and pressure, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and burning sensation of the penis due to undiagnosed illness are granted. The left knee chondromalacia is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his service-connected disabilities, including a VA examination to assess the impact on his employability.