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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and readjudication of her claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for lumbosacral strain and tinea pedis with plantar warts of both feet are being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and records.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease and generalized anxiety disorder, prevent him from dressing, attending to his wants of nature, and protecting himself from daily hazards. He is not blind or helpless, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to being housebound.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and to Dependents' Educational Assistance under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. chapter 35.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and training benefits, finding that he has overcome the effects of impairment of unemployability through employment in an occupation consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for folliculitis of both shins, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence to link any in-service rash to his current condition.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for residuals of perivascular dermatitis of the arms, legs, and trunk is being remanded due to missing VA outpatient records. The RO must request these records and provide the veteran with an opportunity to submit additional evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis, headaches, and peptic ulcer disease with duodenitis were denied. The veteran was granted a compensable evaluation for his service-connected tinea pedis.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes was denied as he does not have one nonservice-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, nor do his disabilities bring the combined rating to 70 percent or more. The Board found that the veteran is not permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for left knee traumatic arthritis and retained foreign body, but granted service connection for chloracne due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, entitlement to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and an effective date earlier than April 28, 1993 for a 50 percent disability rating for residuals of acne, sebaceous cysts and status post x-ray therapy.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that no new and material evidence had been received. The decision is final as it was a final denial with respect to this issue.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, depression, and a shoulder condition. The claim of whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for plantar wart, left foot, is dismissed due to withdrawal by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence linking his warts on hands to service. The Board also found no probative evidence indicating that bilateral tinea pedis was caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for PTSD and chloracne due to exposure to herbicides, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.