Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, eczema, allergies, and a psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD) based on evidence showing these conditions were present during service or are otherwise related to service.

The Board denied service connection for tinea cruris as there was no credible evidence linking the current condition to service, including a lack of continuity of symptoms since discharge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and heart disease (including hypertension and atrial fibrillation) were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as acne vulgaris, has not met the criteria for a higher rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned since his last VA examination in September 2006. The evidence does not show that the disability covers more than 20% of his entire body or exposed areas, and treatment with topical ointments has been ineffective.

The Board finds in favor of the claim for service connection for dermatitis herpetiformis/celiac disease, finding that it is attributable to service and not pre-existing. The issue regarding apportionment of VA disability benefits has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that either DJT or SLT were permanently incapable of self-support at the time they attained 18 years of age.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin rash of the hands and feet. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records from Dr. Lepine, conduct a VA examination, and determine if there is any link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for disfigurement of the head, face, or neck was denied as he does not have such condition. The claim for an extraschedular rating for atopic dermatitis with secondary infection and dyshidrotic eczema is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as they are not found to be unemployable due solely to his service-connected conditions. The dental disorder claims remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding records. The claims for higher ratings will be adjudicated in light of all pertinent evidence and legal authority.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae more closely approximates a disability picture manifested by an area of hyperpigmented skin on the head, face and neck which exceeds six square inches. Therefore, the claim for an initial compensable rating is granted.

The Board denied service connection for eczema, tinea pedis, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal bone spur due to the absence of a current diagnosis or chronic residuals related to these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and gastritis with reflux, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be related to his military service.

The Board finds that the appellant's current skin condition, eczematous dermatitis, is at least as likely as not related to his exposure to jet fuel and cutting oil during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a skin rash is granted.

The Veteran's claims for chronic bronchitis and chronic conjunctivitis were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities. The claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic skin disorder, including furunculosis, tinea glutealis, and tinea cruris, has been reopened. The evidence now shows that these conditions are as likely as not related to active service.

The Veteran's psoriasis affects less than 40% of his body and no systemic therapy is required, thus the initial disability rating for psoriasis remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's skin disability, including eczema with tinea infection, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The VA determined that the Veteran's tinea manuum does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it affects less than 5% of his entire body or exposed areas, and has not required intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.