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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for jungle rot and onychomycosis, as well as an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD. The Board found that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea cruris was not rated compensably prior to August 30, 2002 and has not been rated in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for chloracne, which was previously denied due to lack of a diagnosis. The November 2003 treatment report from Dr. W.S.B. indicates that the Veteran may have chloracne related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's folliculitis and dermatitis are not related to his military service, including due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to her failure to attend a scheduled hearing. The issues listed on the title page are still pending.

The Veteran's skin disability, including his current basal cell carcinoma and other skin conditions, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to service, particularly exposure to herbicides. The VA will obtain private medical records from the Mountain Home VA Medical Center and Kingsport Dermatological Associates, as well as a VA examination.

The Veteran's skin rash, multiple joint pains, headaches, and respiratory disorder were not found to be directly related to his service. The conditions are attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective January 1, 1999. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from participating in any regular substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for an increased evaluation of chronic acne vulgaris prior to February 8, 2010, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter remains pending.

The Board has determined that service connection for varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities is not established, as there was no in-service diagnosis or treatment for these conditions, and they are not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a new VA dermatological examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a speech impairment/impediment, claimed as functional impairment of speech, is denied. The Board finds that there is no evidence of record showing the Veteran has a current disability characterized by speech impairment/impediment or a functional impairment involving speech. Additionally, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment provided at Grays Harbor Hospital beginning on March 27, 2009 are granted due to the emergent nature of his condition and the unfeasibility of using VA facilities.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to effective dates prior to November 17, 2004 for service connection were denied as the records submitted by him in conjunction with his current claim did not support earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to an inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for coronary artery disease, claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The case will be returned to the Board after resolving this matter.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae covers at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent of the face and neck. The claim for a compensable rating is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation training at INSEAD in France was unique and not available in the United States, preventing him from attending due to personal hardship. The criteria for vocational rehabilitation training outside the United States have been met.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris have been rated at 10 percent since August 31, 2010. The condition has been in reasonably good control with topical treatment.

The Board has determined that the decision is being remanded due to incomplete records and requests for further development of the claims file.