Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date prior to September 9, 1995, for the grant of service connection for chloracne is dismissed due to a final Board decision in October 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA skin examination and obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding his psychiatric disorder. The RO/AMC will also review the claims files to ensure all necessary actions have been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating as her condition does not meet or approximate any of the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic skin disorder, including eczema and tinea versicolor, is related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's skin disability, specifically pseudofolliculitis barbae (skin disability), does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it involves less than 10 percent of exposed affected area and less than 2 percent of total body. The current evaluation remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis was granted. The issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bilateral flatfeet remains pending and is not related to the main decision.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which are found to have onset during service. Service connection is also granted for the skin disability, characterized as seborrheic dermatitis/folliculitis of the scalp, with a rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for mechanical low back pain with degenerative disc disease was denied. The claims for higher initial ratings for right foot keloids, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and dry eye condition were granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) on account of loss of use of both hands due to service-connected atopic dermatitis was denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his right ankle disorder and the severity of his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder and granted it, finding that there is new and material evidence to support the claim. The Veteran's chloracne is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for the issues of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, a back disability (lumbosacral), and a right elbow disability at the Board hearing. The remaining issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for psoriasis is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinea versicolor, with the condition being diagnosed during his first period of active service. The right ankle disorder is not related to service.,Service connection for a right ankle disorder is denied as there is no evidence of chronic right ankle disorder symptomatology within one year of discharge from service or after discharge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his claimed skin disorder, breathing problems, headaches, and fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection under these circumstances.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis of the hands is currently rated at 10 percent, which reflects the current level of disability and treatment required.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, finding that the conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected psoriasis.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional treatment records and provide the Veteran with an examination by a VA dermatologist to determine if his current skin disorders are related to his period of service, including heat rash and contact dermatitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic retinopathy which renders him legally blind, result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his claims, including the ones seeking service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic facial dermatitis.

The Board has ordered remand for additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated medical records and authorization to obtain further information from his providers.