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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoriasis, a skin disorder, was aggravated by his active duty service from January 2003 to April 2004. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected atopic dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, skin disability, respiratory disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are all found to be related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed acne had its initial onset during his active military service and grants service connection for acneform disorder, including chloracne.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriatic arthritis of the bilateral hands and a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected psoriasis were denied. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, and thus, service connection could not be granted.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is productive of two characteristics of disfigurement, warranting a 30 percent rating since the appeal period began.

The Veteran's psoriasis is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and hypertension is found to be aggravated by PTSD. The Board grants the claims for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is likely due to noise exposure during his active service and subsequent National Guard service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disorder and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for papulopustular acne is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis, contact dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. The evidence shows frequent and persistent skin symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for seborrheic dermatitis and sinusitis were denied. The RO found that the current evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's skin disability, identified as dermatitis, was found to have its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records. The issues on appeal are related to his service-connected cystic acne and depression, as well as a claim for tinnitus.

The Veteran's lung disorder and skin condition are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran also has a history of shortness of breath in service, which may be related to his current restrictive lung disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash, including eczematous dermatitis, was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his current condition is related to his military service. The Board found that there was no probative evidence linking his skin disorder to his time in Vietnam or to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a skin disability due to new and material evidence. However, the heart disability claim remains denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected psoriasis and seizures.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current skin disorders to his service, including exposure to hazardous materials during service.