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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for a dark nodule in the nasal corner of the left eye and service connection for psoriasis, pustular of the hands and feet as caused by herbicide exposure. The decision is final.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent evaluation for his service-connected skin disability was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected skin disorder of the groin, finding that giving the benefit of doubt to the veteran results in his claim being substantiated.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy/carpal tunnel syndrome, a low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The claim for bilateral foot disorder was not well grounded as it was not related to any other condition already granted.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as his conditions do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, claimed as due to herbicide exposure during service, was denied by the RO.

The Board found that a chronic photodermatitis resulting from treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs is not established, and thus denied the claim.

The Board found that the veteran does not have tinea pedis that began in military service or is otherwise attributable to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment since July 27, 1990. His marginal employment is not considered substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for contact dermatitis, finding that there was no current disability related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's psoriasis vulgaris did not manifest during service or for many years thereafter, and there is no medical evidence of a nexus between the veteran's skin disorder and any incident of active service. As such, the claim was denied.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The Board found that the veteran had not provided good cause for missing these exams.

The VA denied increased ratings for PTSD and tinea pedis, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria in effect at the time.

The veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, which meets his claim for an increased evaluation. The other issues were either not granted or are pending.

The Board found that the veteran's current psoriasis is not related to his active service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left leg disability, including a left ankle disorder and varicose veins, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The veteran's eczematoid dermatitis is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective from October 25, 2001. The skin disorder was granted service connection and assigned a 50 percent rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss, or loss of use, of either lower extremity, blindness in both eyes, or the loss, or loss of use, of both hands. Therefore, he is not entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing and/or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has granted service connection for atopic dermatitis and increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee. The rating for deformity of the right little finger remains unchanged.