Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for eczema since February 22, 2012, finding that her condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's TMJ is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2; macular erythematous dermatitis; and polyneuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is set at July 7, 2009.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, atopic dermatitis, TMJ disorder, a bilateral foot disorder, and conjunctivitis. The denial is based on new and material evidence not having been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board finds that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and eczema. The most probative evidence does not show a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed sleep apnea, skin disorder (neurodermatitis), and low back disorder are related to his period of service.,However, the evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's psoriasis and/or PTSD contributed to his death from pulmonary fibrosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, a lung disorder due to mustard gas exposure, and a skin disorder due to mustard gas exposure. The Board also found that there is no credible evidence linking any current respiratory or psychiatric conditions to his service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for PFB, effective August 22, 2006. The Veteran's PFB is characterized by visible or palpable tissue loss and three characteristics of disfigurement: surface contour of scar elevated or depressed on palpation, hyperpigmented area exceeding six square inches, and abnormal skin texture in an area exceeding six square inches.

The Veteran's skin disorder and PTSD are granted, with the skin disorder receiving a 100% rating based on presumed Agent Orange exposure. The PTSD also receives a 100% rating due to total occupational and social impairment prior to death.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic headache disorder and remanded the remaining claims due to new evidence showing that the Veteran's skin condition may be related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The rating for residuals, fracture of left little finger, is also remanded.

The Board finds that service connection is warranted for eczema and pseudofolliculitis barbae, but not for chest pain. The Veteran's eczema is presumed to have been incurred in service due to the numerous skin complaints he reported during his military service. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is also granted as it is considered a direct result of his active duty service. However, there is no evidence linking chest pain to service or any other condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, increased initial rating for eczema/fungus infection of the right hand, and reopening service connection for asthma are also being addressed.

The claims for allergic rhinitis, tinea pedis, sleep apnea, and a right ankle injury were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claims for gastrointestinal disorder, lung condition, and right great toe injury were reopened.,Service connection for PTSD and depression (inclusive) was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PFB was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,For the period prior to July 15, 2009, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warranted a 40% evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations and readjudication of his claims. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for tinea pedis and calloused skin of the right plantar foot, which he claims are due to exposure to diesel fuel during his military service. The Board has ordered additional development as requested by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinea cruris, a low back disorder, and bilateral hip disorder. The decisions were based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations to assess the severity of her Raynaud's phenomenon and eczema with dyschromia.