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

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as dermatitis, does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA's schedular criteria. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant an increase in his current noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disability is granted as incurred in service.,The Veteran's psoriasis is granted as incurred in service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and right ankle disability, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending on their merits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, or hyperlipidemia.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and tinea pedis on groin, arms, torso and hands are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicides in service. If confirmed, a VA examiner will provide an opinion regarding the nature and likely etiology of these conditions based on herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's skin disorder and headaches are related to in-service chemical exposure, including hydrazine. The cervical spine arthritis claim is also intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran is granted service connection for the claimed disabilities due to exposure to test agents used during Project SHAD, effective November 25, 2002. However, he is not entitled to an earlier effective date as his claim remained pending until the grant of service connection in August 2010.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and his eczematous dermatitis is also rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a skin disability, specifically tinea versicolor. The Veteran's competent and credible statements, along with medical records, support his contention that he incurred this condition during service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the cervical spine and keloidal acne with scar and recurrent infection are not granted as service connected or for increased rating, respectively. The Board found no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for chloracne of the face and neck was granted, with an effective date set at February 21, 2001. The earlier effective date for service connection and assignment of a 30 percent rating for chloracne of the back, buttocks, and scrotum was also granted.

The Veteran's psoriasis was rated at 10 percent prior to October 2, 2013 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for scoliosis, bilateral knee disability, chloracne, high cholesterol, lumbar spine disability (Degenerative Disc Disease), hydrocephalus, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are all denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition or link to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn, and no further action is required.

The Veteran has a current skin disorder of mild atopic dermatitis, but the evidence does not support a connection to service or Agent Orange exposure. The Board finds that service connection is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his epidermal inclusion cysts and probable chloracne, as well as service connection for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremities; right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and ulnar neuropathy left upper extremity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and melanoma, both claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service at Korat RTAFB in Thailand.

The Veteran's skin condition, characterized by deep acne affecting more than 40 percent of the face and neck, is rated at a 30% disability level.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and finds that his service-connected disabilities materially contributed to his death from respiratory failure due to COPD. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral tinea pedis with onychodystrophy of the toenails is being remanded due to failure to appear at a scheduled Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.