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

The Board found no valid clinical diagnosis of PTSD and denied the claim for service connection. The RO also denied an increased evaluation for tinea versicolor due to lack of evidence showing symptoms from that disorder at a compensable level.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for skin disorders, including as residuals of exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange), is not well grounded. The evidence did not show a chronic disability during service or continuity of symptomatology after service related to his current conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's atopic dermatitis warrants an initial compensable disability rating of 10 percent, based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are not well grounded. The skin rash, diagnosed as acne vulgaris, is rated at 10 percent. The veteran does not have a confirmed undiagnosed illness related to her military service or an existing condition aggravated by service.

The Board has granted a 90 percent evaluation for the appellant's acne vulgaris/conglobata with interrelated conditions, finding that this disability significantly interferes with employment but does not preclude it.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is well grounded and the issue will be remanded to allow further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal regarding his dissatisfaction with the initial rating assigned for chronic low back strain and folliculitis decalvans. As such, the claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chloracne, a disease associated with Agent Orange exposure, is service-connected due to his active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and dermatitis are not well-grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for a skin disorder of the feet, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is not well-grounded and therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied, with the exception of a 30 percent rating granted for bilateral pes planus and pes cavus with plantar fasciitis.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and reactive airway disease, eczema, acne and folliculitis, and a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). However, the claims are denied as they do not meet the well-grounded claim criteria. The heart disorder claim is also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for tinea corporis and capitus, a right hip disorder, and a left hip disorder are not well-grounded. As such, these claims are denied.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection of sarcoidosis, but granted a 30% evaluation for atopic dermatitis prior to June 26, 1998. The increased evaluation for atopic diathesis with mild xerosis after that date was denied.

The VA has denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected acne of the face, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating for pension purposes was denied. The Board found that he failed to present evidence of a well-grounded claim for service connection for back and lower extremity disabilities under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his skin condition and bilateral pes planus, finding insufficient evidence to support a compensable evaluation for tinea versicolor (previously classified as vitiligo) or service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, finding no evidence of current disability or nexus to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date of June 26, 1995 is granted for the grant of service connection for residual scars on the chest. The appeal regarding post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea pedis, and painful sternal wire syndrome secondary to mediastinotomy has been denied.