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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, PFB, and residuals of fractured ribs. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for chloracne was granted, and he is now receiving a 40 percent rating effective October 23, 2008. He also received a separate 10 percent evaluation for superficial, painful scars due to his chloracne.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinea pedis was incurred in service and granted service connection. For bilateral tinnitus, while competent evidence supported a current diagnosis, there was no probative medical evidence linking it to his military service.

The Veteran's acneform skin disorder is rated at the highest available schedular rating (30%) and does not meet criteria for a higher rating as it only affects 40% of exposed body surfaces. The disability does not necessitate frequent hospitalization or cause marked interference with employment.

The Veteran's preexisting acne was aggravated by service, resulting in current disability. Service connection is granted for this condition. The Board finds that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral ankle disorder, left inguinal hernia, left varicocele, bilateral knee disorder, and left wrist disorder.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of December 22, 1988 for the assignment of a 50 percent rating for his skin disorder (PFB with acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis). The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran is not shown to have actinic keratosis due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to gather additional medical records and conduct examinations for joints, eyes, and skin. The issues of service connection are inextricably intertwined with the issue of TDIU.

The Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations related to his claims, resulting in the denial of increased ratings and a claim for TDIU due to failure to provide good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected seborrheic dermatitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from March 15, 2005. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dermatitis of the face and scalp is being remanded due to his failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in connection with the previous remand. The case will be reviewed again after scheduling an appropriate examination.

The Veteran's neurodermatitis was granted a disability rating of 30 percent effective November 20, 2008.

The Veteran's dermatitis, affecting the bilateral groin area, is rated as 0 percent disabling due to less than 5 percent of the entire body or exposed areas being affected and no systemic therapy required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current skin disorder, diagnosed as dermatitis and heat rash, was incurred during his active service. As a result, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and erectile dysfunction, which are presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran claims service connection for a right foot condition, including the residuals of a right foot fracture. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing at the RO, with appropriate notification to the veteran and representative.

The Veteran's skin disorders, including actinic keratoses, skin cancers, and neurodermatitis, are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their likely etiology. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and TriCare treatment records, as well as scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his current knee disabilities and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board found that the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and folliculitis are not related to his active military service.