Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, varicose veins, hepatitis B, and left knee strain. The claim for increased rating for eczema was also denied.

The Veteran's skin disease, claimed as dermatitis eczema and keratosis, was first manifested during active duty. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected stasis dermatitis did not cause or contribute to his death, and there was no evidence linking any of his post-service conditions (including diabetes) to his active duty service. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and possibly a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected contact dermatitis contributed to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, right ankle sprain with residual, tinea pedis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or establish a link to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 28, 2006 for the grant of service connection for seborrhea was denied. The Board found that there were no pending, unadjudicated requests to reopen his previously-denied claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current chloracne is presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated during active military service, due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). As a result, the claim for service connection was granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which were previously denied. The case is remanded to obtain private treatment records from the Cochran VAMC.

The Veteran's psoriasis has not affected more than 5% of his body or required systemic therapy, so he is not entitled to a compensable rating.

The Veteran's tinea was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 10% prior to July 17, 1999. A compensable rating was denied for the period from July 17, 1999 to July 7, 2008. Since July 8, 2008, tinea has been rated as noncompensably disabling.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for acne, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded for further development regarding whether the current acne or its residuals are related to service, including exposure to herbicides during Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis did not result from military service and denied his claim.

The Board found that stasis dermatitis did not have its onset in or is otherwise attributable to service, nor is it secondary to the Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the right foot. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's skin cancer metastasized to his colon and whether it is related to service or any of his service-connected disabilities. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance has been denied as he does not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and attendance due to his medical conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for psoriasiform dermatitis with atypical lymphocytes, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinea pedis warrants a 10 percent evaluation since August 30, 2002.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including loss of teeth, sinus condition, vision problems, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), tinnitus, skin disability, and residuals of a left knee injury were denied. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of a left knee disorder due to disease or injury incurred in service.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant did not meet the legal criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 or accrued benefits.