Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis is manifested by intermittent symptoms such as itching and burning, but no evidence of fungal involvement. The condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examination and treatment records, verifying service events, and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for cystic acne and seborrheic dermatitis of the face, back, and head was withdrawn. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome from March 27, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disability, claimed as eczema on his hands, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not otherwise shown to be related to service.

Throughout the period of appellate review, the Veteran's recurrent nonspecific dermatitis has been manifested by an intermittent, itchy, painful, flaky rash covering between 5 percent and 18 percent of her body. The Board finds that a 10 percent disability rating is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance were denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 29, 2004 due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's eczema of the neck, left forearm, and right shin is manifested by involvement of at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body. The disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for tinea pedis and an increase in ratings for PTSD. The issues were remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, complete VCAA notice, and provide the Veteran with a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for higher ratings for migraine headaches, vertigo, and acne rosacea prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including chloracne and acne vulgaris, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's skin disability, characterized as contact vesicular dermatitis, is currently rated at 10 percent. However, the evidence shows that his condition has resulted in more than 40% of his body and exposed areas affected by the disability, warranting a higher rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's folliculitis barbae of the face and neck was granted service connection in September 1999 with an effective date of April 23, 1981. The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection in May 2000 with an effective date of December 23, 1998. The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection in November 2003 with an effective date of June 20, 2000.,The Board has determined that the earlier effective dates for folliculitis barbae of the face and neck (April 23, 1981), PTSD (December 23, 1998), and IBS (June 20, 2000) are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disabilities (tinea cruris and folliculitis barbae of the face and neck) require ongoing use of topical medications that cause irreparable damage to his outer garments, warranting continued entitlement for a clothing allowance for the year 2012.

The Veteran's chronic skin disorders, including dermatitis and MRSA infections, were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and skin cancer of the face and right shoulder are being remanded due to incomplete information or evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart conditions and skin conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disability, including dermatitis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder in July 2002. The decision is final and cannot be reopened without new and material evidence.

The Board finds the Veteran's current skin conditions are less likely than not caused by his military service, including any exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's dermatitis was not incurred during active military service and is therefore denied.