Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims for cardiovascular disorder, hypertension, and chloracne. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded.

The VA examiner found no evidence of a skin disorder during service and the appellant's current eczema is not associated with his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The Board therefore denies service connection for a skin disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected psoriasis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinea cruris was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection for tinea cruris could not be established as it is not a presumptive condition associated with herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis has been granted a schedular evaluation of 60 percent for the period beginning on March 12, 2009. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The VA determined that the Veteran's tinea versicolor does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code, as it did not cover more than 5 percent of his entire body or exposed areas and he was not treated with systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during any 12-month period.

The Veteran's service-connected eczema does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA rating schedule. His gastroesophageal reflux disease also did not warrant an initial compensable rating.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's claimed headaches are etiologically related to both service and his service-connected scalp folliculitis, thus granting service connection for headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional pertinent evidence and for a new VA examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis has been rated as noncompensable since service separation. The VA examiner found that the condition affected less than 2% of his body and no exposed areas, but the Veteran disputed this finding, stating he used multiple medications for systemic treatment. The Board granted a compensable rating (10%) based on topical therapy.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to March 1, 2010 and has been rated at 70 percent since that date. The Board granted service connection for Tietze syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, and sebhorrheic dermatitis.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 19, 2001 (for PTSD) and March 29, 2005 (for onychomycosis and tinea pedis) have been denied as there is no evidence showing the Veteran filed a claim before these effective dates.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for right 5th metacarpal fracture, reopening of service connection claims for acne disability and heart murmur were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new ratings or benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected eczema is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination. The RO/AMC will also consider whether the appeal should be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy and chloracne due to herbicide exposure are granted, but his claim for a TDIU is also granted. The Veteran currently has a 70% disability rating for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's current venous insufficiency of the left lower extremity with stasis dermatitis is not related to his military service, including his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The examiner opined that it was more likely due to a history of chronic varicose veins on both lower extremities, specifically on the left.

The Board found that the Veteran's death due to chronic drug use was not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing a direct link between his military service and the cause of death. The medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities were considered but did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea versicolor, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the appellant's military service.

The Veteran's skin conditions have been rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board denied the claims for increased ratings and effective date determinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, as well as his claim for an effective date prior to February 12, 1970 for the grant of service connection for allergic rhinitis, were denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date was warranted due to the Veteran's separation from active duty on February 11, 1970.