Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2003

The veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, and his hidradenitis suppurativa with inclusion cysts and keloids on the chest wall, neck, and knees/elsbows; Seborrheic eczema on the knees and elbows are both currently rated at 30 percent. The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for tinea pedis and plantar corns of both feet was denied. The veteran also had claims regarding hearing loss, which were partially addressed with a non-compensable rating for the period prior to November 6, 2001, and no higher rating after that date.,The VA determined that the veteran's tinea pedis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the old or new diagnostic codes. The plantar corns were rated as noncompensable due to their mild nature.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder claimed as chloracne due to exposure to Agent Orange, finding that there was no evidence of chloracne within one year after presumed exposure.

The veteran's skin disease is presumed to have been caused by his service in Vietnam, and he was granted a 70% rating for PTSD. He did not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left wrist disability.

The Board found that psoriasis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it due to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for acne vulgaris, finding that it is a direct service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disability, multiple allergies, and hearing loss disabilities. The appeals were not perfected due to lack of a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for contact dermatitis of the hands and an initial noncompensable rating for prostate cancer with postoperative residuals of radical prostatectomy and impotence, effective from September 1, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, pes planus, acne, and bilateral knee disability. The veteran's preexisting conditions were found to have been aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected chloracne.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, tinea corporis, and a disability manifested by breathing and coughing difficulties. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The veteran's atopic dermatitis was rated at 60 percent effective from August 30, 2002. He also received a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from the same date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic conjunctivitis warrants a 10 percent rating, but no higher. The current evidence does not support an increase in disability rating for his service-connected conjunctivitis or seborrhea.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for dermatitis, effective from the date of claim. The malaria claim remains unchanged with a noncompensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under either the old or new VA rating criteria, as it was manifested by occasional itching and pustules without constant exudation or extensive lesions.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected seborrheic dermatitis was dismissed due to the death of the veteran before a decision could be made.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to alcohol abuse related to PTSD. The issue of DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for sebhorrheic dermatitis (scalp dandruff) and also denied his request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a pilonidal cyst.