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

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The skin disorder, including chloracne and other dermatological conditions, is linked to service due to presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's death was determined to be due to a service-connected disability (arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease related to Agent Orange exposure), and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was established based on this. However, the appellant did not meet the age requirement for DEA benefits as she turned 26 before the effective date of her eligibility.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as acne necrotia miliaris (folliculitis), was rated at 30 percent. The RO reduced this rating to 10 percent effective June 1, 2009. The Board found the reduction improper and restored the original 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lumbar strain has been granted.,Service connection for eczema has also been established.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as eczema and folliculitis, had onset during his military service or is related to it. The Board finds that the Veteran's testimony about first observing a rash in Iraq is credible, and concludes that his current diagnoses should be considered the same or related conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for skin disability, and thus the claim is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a functional gastrointestinal disorder, fatigue, joint pain with numbness of the left shoulder and neck, and folliculitis were granted as they are presumed to be due to her service in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's skin disability, including eczema, psoriasis, and PCT, is not service connected as due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected skin disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a comprehensive dermatology examination.

The Veteran's right foot disorder is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed skin/foot disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA vocational rehabilitation folder and arranging new VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Veteran's low back disability and skin conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, were found to be related to service. Service connection was granted for these disabilities.

The RO has granted a 60 percent disability rating for psoriasis, effective February 27, 2015. The effective date of September 14, 2006 was assigned for the service-connected condition.,Your increased rating claim for psoriasis is now resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and tinea corporis did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to September 7, 2010.

The Board has dismissed the claim for a higher rating for tinea cruris and is remanding the issue of reopening the service connection claim for bilateral foot disability due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, a left knee disability, and a right knee disability. The claim for service connection for a low back disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches is not warranted, and the Veteran's skin disability remains rated based on its current manifestations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased initial ratings for urinary incontinence, sinusitis, and anemia have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for service connection and increased ratings were not substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case to consider whether an extraschedular evaluation is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected eczema, as his symptoms and occupational effects suggest marked interference with employment.