Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected acne vulgaris does not warrant a higher evaluation, as it is currently rated at 30 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected cystic acne of the face and also denied service connection for a nervous condition secondary to a service-connected skin condition. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's asthma was aggravated in service and granted service connection for it. The claim for reopening of his asthma claim is also granted.

The Board has granted a higher initial disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and assigned a noncompensable rating for his tinea pedis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Athens-Limestone Hospital due to lack of emergent condition and availability of VA facilities.

The Board granted increased initial ratings for chondromalacia of both knees and psoriasis, but denied an increase in rating for rotator cuff tendinitis of the right shoulder.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for the service-connected seborrheic dermatitis, effective from when the claim was filed. The low back pain with degenerative disc disease remains at its current level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dyshydrotic eczema, elevated SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), and short-term memory loss. The veteran was also denied increased ratings for hypertension and torn right ACL.

The veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip, actinic keratosis, verruca vulgaris and eczematous dermatitis were not incurred during military service or presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange. The lung condition was granted in November 1988 but the current issue is whether he has a current disability related to his service-connected lung condition.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including migraine headaches, COPD, asthma, tussive syncope, fatigue, major depression and PTSD, joint soreness due to an undiagnosed illness, hepatitis C, diarrhea, dental disorders (loss of teeth), and hemorrhoids have been granted. The service connection is determined on the merits for these conditions.

The RO granted service connection for tinea versicolor effective from April 17, 1973. The veteran's initial claim was received in August 1971 and the denial of service connection occurred in November 1971.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for Hepatitis C and Neurodermatitis are also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chloracne, cardiovascular disability, bipolar disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and lower extremity disabilities, as they are not shown to be related to Agent Orange exposure or any other basis.

The veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his service-connected right and left leg varicose veins with stasis dermatitis and cellulitis.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for psoriasis was denied as the earliest date of receipt of a formal or informal claim is October 31, 1997.

The veteran's skin disorder, primarily manifested by scaly plaques and/or lesions about the neck, back, groin, buttocks, and chest, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board denied entitlement to a higher evaluation or a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis of the fingers of the left hand and residuals of a right inguinal hernia, post-operative. The claims remain final.

The Board has determined that the veteran's seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and major depressive disorder are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the service-connected atopic dermatitis, but denied an increased rating for varicose veins of the left lower extremity.