Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chloracne, and his diagnosed respiratory problems and bilateral eye disorders are not linked to military service.,Service connection for all three issues (chloracne, respiratory problems, and bilateral eye disability) is denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore denied all claims on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of myotonic dystrophy, a psychiatric disorder (anxiety/depression), gastrointestinal disorder (chronic pancreatitis), dermatological and/or allergic disorder affecting the bilateral hands, and neurological disorder (paralysis agitans). The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for the service connection of various conditions has been dismissed as there is no valid claim to consider due to the finality of previous decisions.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA skin examination.

The Veteran's PFB and seborrheic dermatitis are productive of involvement of more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected and constant or near-constant systemic therapy, such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12 month period. However, there is no evidence of visible or palpable tissue loss, gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features or six or more characteristics of disfigurement. The Veteran's disability picture does not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that Agent Orange exposure, in and of itself, is not a disability subject to service connection.

The Veteran's tinea pedis/onychodystrophy and hyperkeratotic rash are service-connected, but a skin disorder other than the two conditions is not.

The Veteran's claims for extraschedular rating for eczema and a compensable disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis are being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder, diagnosed as eczema and dermatitis, which is found to be aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The claim for somatoform disorder remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and requests for additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed eczema is related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including obtaining VA treatment records, determining service connection based on exposure in inland waters, and providing medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of each condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sebopsoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's skin disorder had its onset during active military service. The rating assigned is 70% (the highest schedular rating available).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, sleep disorder, and skin disability (eczema). The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen the left ankle claim. For the other conditions, there was insufficient evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and dermatitis with residual scarring, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain service treatment records and VA medical records, including those related to the Veteran's claimed conditions. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and service-connected bilateral tinea pedis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records. The issue of whether the reduction in disability rating from 30 percent to noncompensable was proper remains on appeal.