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

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for atopic dermatitis and service connection for chronic urticaria were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for atopic dermatitis, as it did not cover more than 20 to 40 percent of her entire body or exposed areas affected. For chronic urticaria, the Board noted that there was no direct service connection and the Veteran's symptoms were attributed to other conditions.

The Board finds that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $3,319.84 was properly created and is a valid debt.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including clarification of the extent of his pityrosporum folliculitis and whether systemic therapy has been required during the past 12-month period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for nummular eczema with xerotic eczema as secondary to herbicide exposure, finding that the condition did not arise during active service and was not related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's asthma was not incurred in service, and the Board finds that he does not have a current disability of asthma. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is remanded for further examination to determine an appropriate rating.

The Veteran is entitled to a disability rating of 60 percent for pseudo folliculitis barbae from April 2, 2010 to November 28, 2012.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin disorder claimed as chloracne. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current right foot disabilities are related to service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for his right foot disability will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's skin disability, tinea pedis and onychomycosis of the feet, was not found to warrant a compensable rating. The Board denied his claim for higher ratings for diabetic retinopathy.

The Veteran's skin disability, including chloracne and other conditions, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his military service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange.

Throughout the appeal period, the Veteran's eczema has been manifested by involvement of less than 5 percent of the entire body, with no exposed area involvement, without the need for more than topical therapy for control of his eczema.

The Veteran's right thumb ulnar subluxation is rated at 10 percent, effective July 1, 2007. The other conditions are not addressed in the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne, but the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a skin disorder other than chloracne are being remanded due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's skin disability, including tinea pedis and dermatitis, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for atopic dermatitis, as the Veteran's skin condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service.

The Veteran's skin disabilities are being remanded for further development, including obtaining his military personnel records and VA treatment records. The examiner will provide opinions on the etiology of each diagnosed condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability may be related to his presumed in-service exposure to herbicides, but requires further examination and opinion regarding its etiology. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis effective February 17, 2012. The Veteran's service connection claim for discoid lupus erythematosus with alopecia was granted and assigned an initial 10 percent rating effective July 13, 2010.

The Veteran's skin condition, tinea cruris and tinea pedis with onychomycosis, was characterized by recurring itchy rashes covering less than 20 percent of the entire body. The Board found that this did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's impotence as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The issue of service connection for tinea pedis remains pending and will be remanded.