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

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of the nature and severity of the Veteran's current skin disability, including whether neurodermatitis is included in the grant of service connection. The claims for higher ratings for tinea cruris will also be readjudicated, and a SOC on the timeliness issue will be issued.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to service, including as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's main contention has been that he suffers from chloracne which is related to his active duty service. However, the VA examination report concluded that the Veteran does not have chloracne but rather a diagnosis of 'Actinic/solar keratosis'. The Board finds that the preponderance of the competent evidence is against a finding that the Veteran has chloracne.

The Veteran's claim for a low back disability was denied. The VA examiner found no evidence of a current low back disability and concluded that the Veteran's current back pain is unrelated to his service. For dyshydrotic dermatitis of the bilateral hands and feet, jungle rot of the feet, and other unspecified skin conditions, additional medical evaluation or evidence may be needed.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are necessary to properly assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, a heart disability, and kidney stones as there is no current disability associated with these conditions.

The VA has determined that the appellant's tinea pedis and dyshidrotic eczema do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as they cover less than 20% of his entire body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's urticaria with neurodermatitis and eczema was denied initial compensable evaluation prior to June 3, 2010, and a denial of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of service connection for right eye, giant cell conjunctivitis; left eye, giant cell conjunctivitis; allergies, hay fever; asbestos exposure; ionizing radiation exposure; contusion on the left thigh; left buttock contusion with hematoma; TMJ syndrome; closed head injury (claimed as left head injury); left ear pain; left forearm rash; pseudofolliculitis barbae; left finger injury (claimed as cut and scar); sinus bradycardia; exposure to smoke; exposure to JP4 (jet fuel); and a left femur fracture. The claim for service connection based on RF radiation exposure is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating prior to July 28, 2009 was denied. The claim for an increased rating as of July 28, 2009 also failed.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and a nexus opinion regarding service connection.

The Board has restored the special monthly compensation for a surviving spouse based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 30, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected skin disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it was shown to involve less than 20 percent of her total body surface and exposed areas affected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any tinea pedis and bilateral tinnitus. The claims will be reconsidered based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected contact dermatitis with light sensitivity was rated at 10% from April 20, 2007 to October 2, 2007 and increased to 30% effective August 27, 2010. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to October 2, 2007 or after August 26, 2010.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's PFB was incurred during his active military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition began during service. The claims for increased ratings and compensation for right knee and Achilles tendon conditions were also not met.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and keloids are currently rated at 60 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7806. The Board has determined that the evidence does not warrant a higher rating. For asthma and conjunctivitis claims, new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 17, 2005 for the award of service connection for a skin disability manifested by acne was denied. The effective date cannot be earlier than the date his reopened claim was received (June 17, 2005).

The Veteran's skin condition, including urticaria and dermatitis, is being remanded for further development as the last VA examination was conducted more than 3 years ago.