Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2000

The veteran's current arthritis of the hips, knees, right ankle, elbows and shoulders is due to service-connected shrapnel wounds. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, finding that his conditions did not meet the schedular requirements for a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chloracne, a presumptively service-connected condition, first became manifest within one year after his separation from active duty in Vietnam. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board denied increased ratings for tinea pedis and tinea cruris, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The appellant's skin conditions are currently rated at the lowest possible levels under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic dermatitis as a result of exposure to Agent Orange during service, finding no competent evidence linking the current condition to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and pseudofolliculitis were denied as there was no evidence of a stressor related to service or any chronic condition that can be linked to service.

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment compatible with his work experience and education, thus meeting the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic skin disorders, including psoriasis and groin rash, is not well-grounded.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizure disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and a status post fracture right middle finger, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined schedular rating is 60 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 9, 1996, for a 30 percent evaluation for acne with scars of the face, arms, back and hands.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and increased ratings for residuals of an appendectomy, to include a scar, and fungus infection of the scalp, feet and hands. The veteran's psoriasis was not found to be related to service or his other conditions. His scars were rated as 10% disabling.

The Board has determined that the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is well grounded. The veteran's stressors during his Gulf War service are supported by evidence, and a VA examination will be arranged to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's stomach disorder and skin disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor were they otherwise etiologically related to his service.

The Board determined that the veteran's substantive appeal of the March 1994 rating decision was not timely filed, and thus did not have jurisdiction to review the merits of the claim. The claims for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, a skin disorder (including itching over the entire body), and alcohol abuse were reopened based on new and material evidence submitted by the veteran. However, the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and infertility remain denied as they are not supported by competent medical evidence showing a direct relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as his requests for increased evaluations. The claims were not reopened because no new and material evidence was presented. The veteran's PTSD claim remains at 30%.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for eczema. The veteran was not advised to submit a statement from his treating physician who related his hypertension to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for multiple conditions, including sinusitis, allergies, hypertension, and skin disorders are well-grounded. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides. The claim for PTSD remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The appellant believes that the veteran's nummular eczema, which affected his circulation and heart, caused his death. The VA needs to obtain additional evidence from the veteran's terminal hospital report and statements from physicians who informed her of a relationship between the skin condition and cause of death before deciding on the claim.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the exception of tinnitus. The right shoulder condition was rated at 20 percent effective August 29, 1997; lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease at 10 percent; and bilateral eczema at 10 percent. Service connection for tinnitus remains denied.

The veteran's claimed disabilities, including depression, dysthymia, anxiety, psoriasis, hypertension, and low back strain, are not service-connected. The RO found that these conditions are secondary to his alcohol dependence and marijuana abuse.