Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected photoallergic dermatitis characterized as psoriatic or eczematous in nature is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for acne from August 27, 1999 and denied the claim for an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's residuals of acromioclavicular separation, right shoulder (minor), with traumatic arthritis. The claim for an increase in the evaluation for eczema of the left hand with postoperative warts is denied as there are no current symptoms or manifestations.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's skin disorder, left heel disability, and right heel disability. The veteran is currently evaluated under Diagnostic Codes (DC) 7806 and DC 5284 respectively.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death, entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, and entitlement to death pension benefits. The appellant was informed that she had not provided sufficient information regarding her appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected right ear hearing loss and psuedofolliculitis barbae, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chloracne, finding that no legal basis existed to assign a rating prior to September 16, 1996.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne due to lack of evidence during or within one year after service, and denied an increased rating for left elbow arthritis as the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the condition was related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluations and consideration of his pes planus and folliculitis of the neck conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's current dermatological diagnoses did not have their onset during service and are not the result of a disease or injury he had in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure and on a direct basis, finding that his current skin condition is not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's skin disability, including chloracne and other skin conditions, to include as secondary to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of folliculitis and the veteran's statements are not sufficient to establish a current disability. As such, service connection for folliculitis was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and acne. The Board found that a chronic acquired bilateral knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor is one proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by service-connected residuals of a back injury. Bilateral hearing loss was not shown in active service, nor is it presumed for organic disease of the nervous system (sensorineural hearing loss). The Board also found that preexisting acne did not permanently worsen during active service.

The Board denied increased ratings for tinea pedis and manum with onychomycosis, finding that the veteran's condition did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities and entitlement to a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The veteran's skin disorders are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for lumbosacral strain and tinea pedis with plantar warts of both feet are being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and records.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease and generalized anxiety disorder, prevent him from dressing, attending to his wants of nature, and protecting himself from daily hazards. He is not blind or helpless, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to being housebound.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and readjudication of her claims.