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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and dendritic cell sarcoma were related to his service-connected conditions and contributed to his death. Therefore, the cause of death is attributable to a disability incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinea cruris, a skin condition not among those presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure, was not related to his military service or herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation for eczema from 30 to 10 percent was proper based on current examination findings.

The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of statements of the case on service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected athlete's foot with hypertrophic changes of toenails was denied, and the claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the percentage requirements under Diagnostic Code 7806 for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including VA treatment records. Further examination is also required to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations. The claims of service connection for hypertension, secondary to PTSD, and TDIU rating are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chloracne is a result of exposure to herbicides during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's skin disabilities, including tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis. The appeal will be remanded for further proceedings.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, which is associated with his service-connected low back disability. The claim for cystic acne vulgaris remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic scabies was denied, while his claim for folliculitis was granted with a 10% disability rating effective from the date of the grant.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back strain and dermatitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of recent VA examinations and private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of the Appellant's periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army National Guard, as well as for a supplemental opinion from the VA compensation examiner regarding the etiology of his psoriasis.

The Veteran's service-connected eczematoid and acneform dermatitis is manifested by pain, itchiness, comedones; comedonal lesions; papules; pustules; and superficial cysts occurring at various points on every aspect of his body. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's skin conditions of the hands and feet, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss were all found to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for contact dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to irritation from shaving during service. The claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae was not addressed as it does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred in service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's skin condition, including tinea cruris and vitiligo of the right arm, is found to be due to service-connected conditions. Service connection for these conditions is granted. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating remains pending.

The Veteran's psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and fibromyalgia are found to be aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for folliculitis (claimed as cutaneous leishmaniasis) is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional treatment records and determine if another medical examination or opinion is necessary.