Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2001

The veteran's skin conditions are not service connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his Vietnam-era exposure. His PTSD and low back disability were also not found to be related to service.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected skin disability (acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, and folliculitis), currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa is being remanded due to the need for additional development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA skin examination to determine the nature and etiology of any present skin disability, particularly psoriasis. The case will be adjudicated in conjunction with both his service connection claim for psoriasis secondary to perianal and periscrotal cysts and his increased rating claim for perianal and periscrotal cysts.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, and eczema. The veteran's complaints were attributed to known diagnoses and no evidence was found linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected eczematous dermatitis, finding that it meets the criteria for such a rating based on extensive area affected and symptoms like itching.

The veteran seeks an increased evaluation for atopic dermatitis, which is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The VA has requested additional evidence and development due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination regarding his service-connected atopic dermatitis and its relationship to nodular cystic acne.

The Board denied the veteran's claim that a February 18, 1998 rating decision assigning a disability evaluation of 30 percent for acne vulgaris was based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The RO assigned an effective date of July 21, 1974 to the veteran's 30 percent rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to participate or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31, as his education and work experience are sufficient to find suitable employment.

The veteran's psoriasis is productive of extensive exfoliation and crusting, with nervous symptoms. The Board has granted a 50% evaluation for psoriasis from the effective date of service connection.

The veteran's service connection claims for a skin disorder, other than idiopathic hand and foot dermatitis, are denied. Service connection is granted for idiopathic hand and foot dermatitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tinea cruris, finding that his condition met the criteria for a 10% disability evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7806. The other issues were not addressed in detail as they are not specified in the provided text.

The Board has remanded the case due to new regulations and the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD, but denied claims for epidermoid cysts, eczema and acne vulgaris due to exposure to herbicide agents. The duodenal ulcer rating remains unknown.