Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension and hypertensive heart disease are service-connected.,The Veteran's intertrigo of the groin is service-connected.,The Veteran's tinea pedis (skin rash on the feet) is not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis have been granted with appropriate evaluations, but the issues of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right leg and foot condition remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for obsessive compulsive disorder effective from December 11, 2006. The Veteran's earlier claim was denied in the past due to lack of evidence at that time, and now there is sufficient evidence to grant service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne is granted due to new and material evidence. Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran seeks service connection for chloracne, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service. The Board finds that a VA examination with opinion is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing acne keloidalis nuchae was aggravated by military service, and his hypertension is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, ankle, and knee conditions as well as a skin condition. The appeals were not granted due to lack of evidence or new material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for eczema of the feet, right knee disability prior to February 18, 2009, and multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 prior to December 2, 2008 were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, eczema, allergies, and a psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD) based on evidence showing these conditions were present during service or are otherwise related to service.

The Board denied service connection for tinea cruris as there was no credible evidence linking the current condition to service, including a lack of continuity of symptoms since discharge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and heart disease (including hypertension and atrial fibrillation) were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as acne vulgaris, has not met the criteria for a higher rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned since his last VA examination in September 2006. The evidence does not show that the disability covers more than 20% of his entire body or exposed areas, and treatment with topical ointments has been ineffective.

The Board finds in favor of the claim for service connection for dermatitis herpetiformis/celiac disease, finding that it is attributable to service and not pre-existing. The issue regarding apportionment of VA disability benefits has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that either DJT or SLT were permanently incapable of self-support at the time they attained 18 years of age.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin rash of the hands and feet. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records from Dr. Lepine, conduct a VA examination, and determine if there is any link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for disfigurement of the head, face, or neck was denied as he does not have such condition. The claim for an extraschedular rating for atopic dermatitis with secondary infection and dyshidrotic eczema is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as they are not found to be unemployable due solely to his service-connected conditions. The dental disorder claims remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding records. The claims for higher ratings will be adjudicated in light of all pertinent evidence and legal authority.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae more closely approximates a disability picture manifested by an area of hyperpigmented skin on the head, face and neck which exceeds six square inches. Therefore, the claim for an initial compensable rating is granted.