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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis and duodenal ulcer disease, finding that his symptoms did not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria in effect at the time of the examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinea manum, tinea pedis, and psoriasis, as well as hypertension. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current tinea versicolor is at least as likely as not related to his skin symptoms during service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's psoriasis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it was not productive of ulceration or extensive exfoliation and crusting, or systemic or nervous manifestations. The current disability picture does not approximate the requirements for a 50 percent rating under the old criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have chloracne or any other acneform disease consistent with chloracne, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disabilities, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, skin disorders, and distal arterial occlusive disease, are not related to his active military service. Therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected acne vulgaris, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's atopic dermatitis is proximately due to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding no evidence of the condition during active service or on separation examination.

The veteran's service-connected dermatitis, right foot, left index finger and scrotum is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted based on the current manifestations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing and clarifying representation status. The veteran's claims of service connection for skin disability other than dermatitis of the right hand, to include skin cancer, claimed due to exposure to ionizing radiation, are pending.

The Board denied service connection for psoriasis and did not reopen the claim for service connection for dementia praecox (claimed as mental anguish).

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis and granted it, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing psoriasis at entry into service and an increase in severity during service.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 15, 2000 for the grant of a 30% evaluation for nummular eczema with seborrheic dermatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis, dermatophytosis, claimed as bilateral foot rash. The veteran's otitis externa was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.