Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims and determined that new evidence received since the prior denial does not establish service connection for any of his claimed conditions. The evidence is insufficient to support a finding of an undiagnosed illness or chronic multisymptom illness.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed skin disorders, musculoskeletal strain, numbness of the hands, facial congestion and breathing difficulties, sperm or semen abnormalities, right shoulder disorder, and right knee disorder are not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and schedule him for a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected scalp folliculitis.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor skin condition was rated at 30 percent disabling from June 3, 2004 through January 10, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected infundi bulofolliculitis warrants a 60 percent rating, reflecting constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids. This is the highest possible schedular disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates were denied as the earliest date of entitlement is March 3, 2004.

The Veteran's skin cancer was not found to be related to his service or herbicide exposure. His eczematous dermatitis is considered a secondary condition and the Board did not find it related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive dermatology examination and an opinion regarding the etiology of his skin disorders, including whether they are related to service or presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis with onychomycosis, finding that the Veteran's skin disorder began during active service and had continuity of symptoms after discharge. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent and credible testimony regarding his in-service skin problems.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right shoulder strain and atopic dermatitis are related to service, but her bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right lower extremity are productive of persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, warranting a 40 percent evaluation. The left lower extremity does not meet this criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were found to have originated in service due to acoustic trauma, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination during a period of flare up and obtaining additional treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for right plantar fasciitis, but the Veteran's claims for acne/rosacea and cold injury residuals/Reynaud's disease remain pending. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and arrange for a dermatology examination.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor was rated at 60 percent effective October 19, 2009. The low back disability issue is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the claim for service connection for acne vulgaris.

The VA has determined that the veteran's dermatitis of the face does not warrant a compensable evaluation since November 1, 1995.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination and the potential existence of outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA skin examination and obtaining medical records. The issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected dermatitis beginning March 25, 2009 will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart condition related to his service exposure to Agent Orange. He had pending claims for diabetes mellitus, chloracne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) that were all presumed due to his service exposure to Agent Orange. Accrued benefits are granted for these conditions.