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

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for tinea versicolor, shell fragment wound of the left anterior chest wall, or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% disabling, and tinea pedis of both feet was incurred in service. The other issues on appeal are not addressed as they do not involve service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations for his skin disabilities are being remanded due to procedural deficiencies.

The Board has granted a 30% rating for the veteran's skin disability, which affects more than 20 percent of his body. The previous non-compensable rating is now increased to 10 percent effective February 2003.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for tinea pedis, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for allergic sinusitis was denied. The RO granted service connection for acne keloidalis nuchae with an effective date of August 7, 2001, and assigned a 30 percent disability evaluation. Additionally, the RO reopened his previously denied claim for sleep apnea based on new evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, chloracne, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety), sinusitis, cervical spine myositis, and lumbar spine myositis were denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for photo-allergic dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for a specialized VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current acne folliculitis is related to a rash he was seen for in service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed sinus condition, eczema (claimed as dry skin condition), and major depression were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The RO denied these claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include depression, a skin condition (tinea versicolor), migraine headaches, and PTSD related to sexual assault.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disease, including chloracne, and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The veteran's service records did not show any evidence of these conditions during his active duty.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae, effective from July 5, 1996 to January 28, 2001.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO found no evidence linking his conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, which corresponds to one characteristic of disfigurement under the criteria for skin disorders.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, tinea cruris, and warts of the right fourth toe were denied. The initial evaluations assigned by the RO are not supported.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's skin disorder (folliculitis, lymph fungal skin rash), currently rated at 10 percent. The condition has been manifested by recurrent rashes affecting limited parts of the body without significant symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and assistance due to her physical disabilities, which require daily assistance with activities of daily living. The decision grants special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a shrapnel wound to the right foot, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), and skin disorder claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis were denied as the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.