Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's skin conditions are not related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new opinion from a VA physician.

The Veteran's skin disability, initially diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis and now psoriasis, has been rated at 30 percent since August 9, 2010. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his condition during both periods of appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sebaceous cyst of the penis was denied as there is no evidence that he had such condition during his military service. The Board also remanded the issue of increased rating for tinea cruris, dermatophytosis, and groin rash but did not schedule an examination or provide a rationale.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor has been rated at 30 percent since March 27, 2006. The Board granted a higher rating for the skin disability based on the severity of symptoms during flare-ups. Service connection for a right ankle disorder was also granted.

The Veteran's only service-connected disability was eczema, rated at 60 percent. The Board found that the severity of this condition did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected folliculitis and herpes simplex have not been shown to be active since his retirement from service, thus no compensable ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancers of the ears and chloracne of the back have been granted, with effective dates based on presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure. The specific date is not provided as it was determined that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tinea pedis and there is no evidence linking any skin condition to service. The claim for service connection for tinea pedis was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne due to herbicide exposure, but denied the claim for an effective date earlier than September 7, 2004, for the grant of service connection for Meniere's syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA skin examination to determine the current level of severity of his service-connected dermatitis, including the percentage of affected body area and any residual scarring.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including as due to exposure to herbicides, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic dermatitis disability has shown sustained improvement, warranting a reduction in his disability rating from 30 percent to 10 percent effective May 1, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's atopic dermatitis warranted a 30 percent rating from February 26, 2001, to January 2, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and increased ratings for hypertension and pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The Veteran is not shown to have a current chronic right knee disability, and his hypertension does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151, service connection for renal cell carcinoma, dermatitis, memory loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw all his appeals except for the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that his current hypertension is not related to service, as there is no indication of any compensable hypertension until after discharge from service.,There is no indication that the Veteran's lung disability, including scarring, is related to service. His private medical records indicate he was diagnosed with COPD and tuberculosis, but do not suggest a connection to his military service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinea pedis of the right foot, finding that it had its onset in service and is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing and further development.

Service connection for a skin disorder (chloracne) has been reopened and granted.,No service connection issues were resolved in this decision.,Right foot hallux valgus was found to be related to the service-connected right knee disability, but not due to service exposure or combat.,Right hip degenerative joint disease is secondary to the service-connected right knee arthritis.,Right ankle disorder is also secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.,Lumbar spine arthritis is not related to service and was found to be secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.,No eyelid disorder has been established as a result of service or exposure.,Residual acne scars from chloracne are considered service connected due to herbicide exposure.,Respiratory disorders (COPD, chronic bronchitis) were not related to service and are presumed due to Agent Orange exposure.,Prostate disorder is also presumed to be due to herbicide or trichloroethylene exposure.