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

The Board has granted an increased rating of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected depressive reaction with tinea manum of the left hand, onychomycosis of the fingernails and toenails, and tinea pedis, effective from January 1998.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected low back disability, folliculitis of the scalp, shell fragment wound to the left foot, acne, and tinea pedis. The evaluations were found not to meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for nonspecific dermatitis of the right foot was denied. The condition is considered a direct service connection without any presumption, exposure basis, or reopening on new evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected seborrheic dermatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's acneiform rash and cystic lesions, finding that they are related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The chronic respiratory disorder claim is not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected tinea versicolor and alopecia, finding that the current ratings were appropriate based on the severity of his skin conditions.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the VA examination is insufficient to address all necessary questions and remands the case for further development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including chloracne, due to exposure to Agent Orange. The issue remains pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders, including a skin disorder and those of the left hip, lower legs, ankles, and feet, are denied. The claim for increased ratings is also denied.

The veteran's skin condition, eczematoid erythema multiforme, was found to be disfiguring and resulted in extensive exfoliation and exceptionally repugnant scars. The Board granted a 50% evaluation for this service-connected disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected eczematoid dermatitis, finding no evidence of extensive lesions or marked disfigurement to warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's low back disability and discoid lupus erythematosus have been rated based on their severity, with the total rating for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities being granted.

The Board has granted an initial 50 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's service-connected chloracne, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available under any diagnostic code used to evaluate this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for an increased disability rating and to reopen a claim for service connection are not yet fully developed, necessitating further examination and review of evidence. The case is being remanded back to the RO for these purposes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia, respiratory problems, chest pain and rapid heartbeat, thickened saliva and frequent colds, skin disorders, memory loss, irritability, lack of concentration, gastritis, duodenitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or the Persian Gulf War.

The veteran's chloracne, a condition associated with Agent Orange exposure during service in Vietnam, is granted as service connected.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, compression fractures of the lumbar spine, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and anxiety disorder. The appeal is based on evidence that was not previously considered.

The veteran's claimed conditions, including neurodermatitis, bilateral olecranon bone spurs, bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and tension headaches, were not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status.