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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for residuals of Agent Orange (claimed as a skin condition caused by Agent Orange exposure) because the new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding his pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has granted service connection for a seizure disorder and a skin disability, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis with a hyperpigmented lesion.

The Veteran's skin disorder, specifically chloracne affecting more than 40% of the entire body and exposed areas, was granted a disability evaluation of 30 percent from November 14, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic acne was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service and is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA skin examination to determine if any current skin disability is related to service, including herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The claim will be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his tinea versicolor chest and back condition is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, as well as obtaining outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including status post lipoma excision of the left shoulder and chloracne, to include as due to herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities associated with any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings have been denied. The RO/AMC has reviewed the evidence and determined that no new or material evidence has been received to reopen any previously denied service connection claims.

The Veteran's psoriasis was not manifested by ulceration or extensive exfoliation or crusting, and systemic or nervous manifestations. The RO granted a 30 percent evaluation from May 24, 1995 to December 26, 2000, a 50 percent evaluation from December 27, 2000 to August 29, 2002, and a 60 percent evaluation from August 30, 2002.

The Veteran's service connection claim for dyshydrosis is granted, while his claims for hallux valgus, pes planus, tinea pedis, and xerosis are denied.

The Board denied service connection for amelanotic melanoma and diverticulitis, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's chloracne was found not to be related to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's skin rash, post-operative residuals of left inguinal hernia, and OCD are currently rated as they were originally granted service connection. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and chest fungus growth are related to his service. He does not have a current diagnosis of tuberculosis.,The Veteran's asthma is not related to his service, but he has a strong family history of the condition.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted. The claim for a right foot rash was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for service-connected skin disorders (bilateral tinea pedis and bilateral great toe onchyomytosis) was denied by the RO. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records, arrange for an examination, and consider whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pes planus, recurrent skin rash disability (including acne and tinea pedia), and right hand residual scarring are all granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, without consideration of his age or non-service connected disabilities, prevent the Veteran from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for acne keloidalis, folliculitis was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability (PTSD) and skin condition.