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 deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs document multiple skin conditions he experienced during service, including eczema and pseudofolliculitis barbae. His current diagnoses include atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, EAC (eczematous intertrigo), and Urticaria Pigmentosa, which are consistent with his in-service complaints and conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- eczema, chest pain (manifested by chest pains), pseudofolliculitis barbae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2014
- Citation
- 1444674
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1444674.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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The Veteran's appeals for service connection for asthma and a 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities were dismissed. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for eczema was denied, while the claim of entitlement to allergic rhinitis was not addressed as it pertained to different issues.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an initial noncompensable rating for eczema was granted, effective November 5, 2024. The effective date could not be earlier due to the lack of a prior formal or informal claim within one year of receipt of the Intent to File.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is moot.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches was granted with an effective date of August 28, 2014.,Service connection for eczema was granted with an effective date of August 10, 2022. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but the request was denied.
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