Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2002

The VA determined that the veteran's skin conditions, intertrigo of the groin and folliculitis of the chest, do not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's current condition, including residual disfiguring scar and follicular hyperplasia with folliculitis, did not result from VA surgical treatment in August 1994. The claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied.

The Board has determined that new evidence submitted by the veteran supports reopening his claim for service connection of stasis dermatitis. However, the increased evaluation request for flat feet remains denied as there is no additional evidence to support a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected asthma, allergic rhinitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae and facial acne do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, and the issue of reopening the pes planus claim is no longer before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea manus, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis. However, the veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent remains denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The veteran's neurodermatitis is rated at 50 percent, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines.

The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated as noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 7806. The Board found that the evidence did not show any exfoliation, exudation, or itching involving an exposed surface or extensive area.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his right knee and dermatitis disabilities do not warrant ratings higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected hypertension and dermatitis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic tinea pedis and neurodermatitis of the groin warranted a 10 percent evaluation, which was denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinea pedis and cruris, finding that the condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence submitted since the previous decisions did not provide new or material evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as chronic recurrent folliculitis, was not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing its onset during his military service. The propriety of the initial rating for joint and muscle pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance due to undiagnosed illness has been denied.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, headaches, skin condition, and prostate condition are all service-connected based on direct evidence.

The veteran's skin disorders, specifically pseudofolliculitis barbae and residuals of excision of a benign lesion on the left cheek, are currently rated at 10 percent for each condition. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate based on the current clinical manifestations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis, finding no evidence linking it to his active military service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees are characterized by full range of motion, with no significant arthritic changes. The veteran is denied a compensable initial rating for his bilateral knee conditions.,The veteran's tinea versicolor of the face, ears, and toes is characterized by scaling, flaking, and itching, as well as mild facial pigmentation. He is denied an increased rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board determined that the veteran's papular acne, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure, was not incurred or aggravated during active service and denied his claim.