Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the record is incomplete regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and requires additional development to determine causality.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of private medical records from Chile.

The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis was found to have originated during service. However, the claim for degenerative joint disease of the spine could not be established as it did not manifest within one year after separation from service and there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disorder, specifically chloracne. The evidence received since the March 1994 rating decision is new and material, suggesting a possible nexus between the current diagnosis of chloracne and herbicide exposure in service. Service connection for chloracne is granted as it meets the criteria based on presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected onychomycosis and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation consistent with a history of tinea cruris of the feet and groin have been manifested by less than 5 percent of the entire body affected, or exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required. As such, the criteria for a compensable initial rating are not met.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for decreased night vision and right eyelid laceration. The claim for service connection for decreased night vision is reopened, but the claim for service connection for residuals of a right eye laceration remains denied.

The Veteran's skin disorder, characterized by pityrosporum and staphylococcal folliculitis, has been rated at 10 percent since September 30, 2009. The current rating is appropriate given the intermittent use of systemic therapy for less than six weeks.

The Board has denied the service connection claims for hypertension, a disability manifested by a 'fast heart', an acquired psychiatric disorder, hyperthyroidism, chronic pain, and insomnia, all claimed as secondary to hepatitis B.

The Veteran's eczema, a skin disease, is found to be related to service and granted service connection. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the Veteran. Service connection for sleep apnea (a sleep disability) is granted.

The Board found that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support by reason of a mental or physical condition prior to attaining the age of 18, and thus denied DIC benefits as an adult helpless child.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a skin disorder (including as due to exposure to mustard gas) and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a VA dermatology examination and medical opinion to identify the exact nature and extent of his service-connected skin disability, including whether any current skin disorder is related to military service. The Veteran also wishes for SSA records to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and confirming school/work absences. The Veteran's initial ratings for migraine headaches, seborrheic dermatitis, and right ankle sprain will be reviewed after these developments.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were granted, with the grant of service connection for multiple diagnosed eye conditions resulting in a 70% disability rating. The Veteran was also awarded compensation based on his need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's folliculitis, which caused a foul odor and was 'exceptionally repugnant,' is rated at the maximum disability rating of 50 percent from November 3, 1993 to July 3, 2001.

The Veteran's facial and upper back acne vulgaris, left hip sciatica, and low back disability (including right-sided sciatica) are all found to be service-connected. The adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood is also granted.

The Veteran's chloracne has been granted service connection, and the issue of service connection for a skin disability other than scalp folliculitis and chloracne is remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis of all toenails. The effective date for the 10 percent rating for tinea cruris is set at May 9, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left thigh dermatitis was withdrawn. The Board also dismissed the claim of service connection for right 1st metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis as there is no evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by service.