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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee injury and cutaneous numbness of the left lateral knee, finding that there is no evidence of exfoliation, exudation or itching on an exposed surface or extensive area for chronic dermatitis.

The veteran's claim for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of improved disability pension benefits was denied because the Board found that there was a considerable degree of fault on the part of the veteran in creating the overpayment by failing to report his Civil Service annuity. Recovery would not be against the principle of equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date of February 28, 1994 for the 100% disability rating for PTSD is not warranted due to the fact that prior to this date it was not factually ascertainable that PTSD met the schedular criteria for a 100% evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected neurodermatitis with urticaria is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from November 10, 1997.

The veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, was granted. The skin disability claim is pending and the PTSD and special monthly pension claims are not addressed.

The veteran's claim for melioidosis is not well grounded as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy and a skin disorder claimed as boils and fungus are well grounded, with diagnoses made and a private physician linking them to in-service herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD are not well grounded, as there is insufficient evidence to support the assertions of exposure to Agent Orange or credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, prostatitis, and tinea pedis and tinea versicolor are currently rated as 10 percent each. The Board denied higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between the veteran's current skin disorder and his military service, leading to a denial of service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for dyshidrotic eczema and nicotine dependence, but deferred the decision on headaches and shortness of breath as secondary to tobacco use due to lack of evidence in the record.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right wrist injury and eczema of the right hand, finding that the evidence does not warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dyshydrotic eczema is related to service and grants the claim.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating to 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected skin disorder, effective from the date of his claim. The issue of entitlement to an annual clothing allowance remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a skin condition, including chloracne. The veteran's claim is well-grounded as there is competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis of chloracne related to Agent Orange exposure. However, his PTSD claim remains denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as an increased rating for his service-connected pes planus. The appeals were not granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure is being remanded for further development of the evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on the criteria provided in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The claims for increased ratings are denied as the current evidence does not meet the schedular criteria for a compensable rating.,A VA examination is needed to assess the severity of the veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, lumbosacral strain, and knee disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of service connection for chloracne, residuals of heat rash, and carbuncles on neck were not well grounded due to lack of medical evidence of current disabilities or a link between in-service conditions and current diagnoses.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for acne is granted, and he is currently receiving a 30 percent evaluation.