Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on a diagnosis meeting VA regulations and a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The appeals regarding acne and lung cancer are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has determined that a comprehensive dermatological examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's multiple skin disorders, including any relationship to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae, including any scars and their impact on motion or pain. The case will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disability, claimed as dermatitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing acne was aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne was denied. His claims for solar elastosis, actinic damage, open comedones and basal cell carcinoma are pending as they may be related to sun exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, including a skin disorder and knee disability. The Board has ordered remand due to the need for additional development regarding the nature and etiology of his current skin disorder.

The Veteran's tinea pedis is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his right leg disorder, GERD, and peptic ulcer disease.

The Veteran's hearing loss and skin disability were not found to be related to service, and the Board denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was not aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The chronic cough issue is pending as it relates to a possible undiagnosed illness during military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have been incurred in service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of evidence or further development needed.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical treatment for poison ivy dermatitis was denied because the emergency condition did not meet the criteria of a 'medical emergency' as defined by VA regulations. The Board found that the services provided were not rendered in an emergency situation and that reasonable alternative care was available at VA facilities.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Grandview Medical Center on October 24, 2009 for treatment of a scrotal abscess and tinea corporis are approved as the nearest VA facility was closed and not feasibly available.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected back and psychiatric disabilities preclude all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's skin disability, specifically atopic eczema, is manifested by rashes on his face, shoulders and feet with itchy and flaky skin. The VA has determined that the condition affects between 20% to 40% of the total body area, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for dyshydrotic eczema, dermatophytosis, and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), but denied them as not related to service. The claim of service connection for thyroid cancer remains final.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence, or because the conditions are not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not now have, and indeed has not had, sinusitis. His claim for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for atopic dermatitis with chronic urticaria remains part of this matter but was granted with a maximum schedular rating.