Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for stelaeczema and tinea pedis, bilateral feet is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address specific criteria in the rating schedule.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 22, 2000, for the grant of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date is warranted under VA regulations governing effective dates for awards based on a reopened claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and for further development of his service connection claim.

The Board denied service connection for multiple sclerosis, chronic dermatitis, and a chronic disability manifested by dry skin as these conditions were not shown to be related to active duty or reserve service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's current skin disability and headaches, as well as his military service. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant records from VA and non-VA health care providers, including those from Drs. Bishop and Murthy.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for dermatitis, including as a result of exposure to mustard gas. The hearing loss disability issue remains denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for psoriasis, which he claims began during active service in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the likely etiology of his psoriasis.

The Board denied service connection for venous insufficiency with vasospasm and acrodermatitis and acrosclerosis of the hands and feet, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for venous insufficiency. The skin disorder was not shown in service or until many years after service.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for compliance with VCAA requirements, including providing adequate notice and examination related to the appellant's service-connected tinea versicolor.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psoriasis is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the veteran's photodermatitis did not begin during his military service and is not otherwise attributable to such service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a skin disability (including porphyria cutanea tarda and dermatitis) related to his active military service or events therein, including exposure to Agent Orange. As such, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for a left elbow disability and allergic dermatitis of the back, concluding that any current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have skin disability attributable to his period of military service and denied the claim for service connection.