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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for initial evaluations of 10% or more for recurrent dermatitis, perianal abcess, and residuals of a left thumb fracture. However, it granted a compensable evaluation (10%) pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 due to the combined effect of these service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board found that the veteran's pain in the arms and legs, and seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp, face and chest, were not present until many years after separation from service. The disorders are not among those which may be presumed to have resulted from exposure to herbicides during service. The veteran has not presented any competent evidence linking these conditions to his period of service or to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for tinea pedis and manum with onychomycosis, but granted a 30 percent evaluation for recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder with arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for claimed skin conditions, bronchitis, laryngitis, emphysema, and conjunctivitis due to exposure to mustard gas as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis and an increased rating for psoriasis and tinea cruris, finding that there was no evidence of arthritis due to service or service-connected disability. The veteran's psoriasis with tinea cruris is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-surgical scars to the scalp do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent, while his scars to the right thigh donor sites are currently rated at 20 percent and do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin disorder and chloracne as residual to Agent Orange exposure were denied because there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or to his exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection, on a presumptive basis, for skin disorder secondary to herbicidal exposure in service. The evidence submitted did not show a presumptive disorder of the skin based on herbicidal exposure.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection of acne and/or chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure is well grounded. The veteran's current condition, which includes acne and/or chloracne, is presumed to have resulted from his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of chloracne has been granted, and he is now rated at a 50% disability rating. The initial disability rating for PTSD remains at 10%.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and insufficient medical evidence linking his current conditions to service.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected chloracne, finding that his symptoms are exceptionally repugnant and warranting such an increase.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a seizure disorder, psoriasis, glaucoma, and colon cancer due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were present during active service or within any applicable presumptive period. The claim for service connection for residuals of low back strain was granted with an initial 10% rating, which was later increased to 20%.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The effective date is not specified due to the nature of the decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorder, including chloracne, is presumed to have been caused by his exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The case was remanded for further development and a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder and dermatitis of the hands, as well as entitlement to a compensable evaluation for residuals of a fractured left orbit. The pension disability rating was also denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected eczematous dermatitis of the upper extremities is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the veteran's current skin disorders to his service, specifically his exposure to chemical herbicides. The veteran's claims were denied.