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

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for bilateral tinea pedis, effective from the date of the decision. The ratings for bilateral tinea manum and rash of the groin and buttocks remain at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for pseudofolliculitis barbae and seborrhea, as well as his claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with headaches. The decision also noted that the appellant had service-connected residuals from a head injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acne of the posterolateral neck warrants a 10 percent rating, effective from April 28, 1998. The claim for service connection for PTSD remains denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for cystic acne, a new and material evidence claim for her psychiatric disorder, and her claim of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD and eczema render him unemployable, warranting a total disability rating for compensation purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for acneiform dermatitis and a skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, finding no evidence of such conditions during active duty or post-service. The claim for an undiagnosed illness was also denied as there is no legal entitlement under the provisions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied as there is no evidence of hypertension meeting the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable regulations, and the other conditions do not meet the requirements for direct service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and clarifying opinions from healthcare providers.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for tinea versicolor and an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to a service-connected skin disorder. The evidence did not support these claims.

The RO has granted compensable evaluations for the right tibial stress fracture, acne keloidalis nuchae with folliculitis, and status post sclerotherapy for varicose veins, right popliteal area. The previously denied claims for service connection have been reopened.