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

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and tinea pedis. The Board confirmed the 30 percent evaluation for PTSD from June 6, 2000 to January 20, 2001, granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD from January 26, 2001 to October 23, 2002, and again granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD from February 1, 2003 to June 28, 2004. The case was remanded multiple times due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected PFB was reduced to a non-compensable rating, and the claim for restoration of a separate compensable rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's skin disability, including chloracne and lichen planus, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service or presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that further development is required, including scheduling the Veteran for a Travel Board hearing. The appeal will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin disorder of the feet, alleging that he developed onychomycosis as a result of his combat service in Vietnam. The VA examiner found no evidence linking the current condition to active duty.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for dermatitis and pitted keratolysis of the feet was denied prior to August 24, 2009. From that date, his claim for a higher rating was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Stone and arranging a dermatology examination of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's psoriasis is likely due to his service, including his time in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right foot disorders. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's skin condition, tinea cruris and corporis, was found to have been aggravated by service. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to fear of hostile enemy activity during service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's tinea cruris and corporis as they were aggravated by service and for his PTSD due to a stressor in service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a skin rash in service and no continuity of symptoms following service discharge. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset and continuity of his skin rash are not credible, and the VA examiner's opinion based on an accurate history is highly probative.

The Board denied service connection for tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and a chronic disability manifested by headaches. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's dyshidrotic eczema, affecting less than 20% of exposed areas and requiring intermittent use of topical medications like steroid creams, is currently rated at 10 percent from May 27, 2008.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining photographs from his November 2010 VA examination and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PFB.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disorders, including nummular eczema with xerotic eczemas. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne was denied as there is no competent evidence of the claimed condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues of service connection for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and increased evaluation for tinea pedis are pending.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, edema of the lower extremities, and other acquired psychiatric disabilities have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any service connection related to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin disability, claimed as pseudofolliculitis barbae. The RO denied the claim in September 2008 because no current skin disorder was shown on an April 2008 VA medical examination. However, the Veteran and his wife testified that he has continued post-service symptoms of a skin disorder since service separation. A dermatological examination is required to determine the existence and etiology of such a disorder.