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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and a compensable evaluation for impotence, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected eczematoid dermatitis, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the current symptoms and treatment.

The veteran's claim for service connection for skin rash/psoriasis, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for a video conference hearing.

The veteran's skin disorder, neurodermatitis, is now rated at 50 percent disabling due to the presence of ulcerations and extensive exfoliation or crusting.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination findings and new evidence may be needed.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of his claims on appeal.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected onychomycosis of the toenails and dermatophytosis involving the plantar and medial surfaces of both feet is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a medical examination to determine if stasis dermatitis should be considered part of his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for dyshidrotic eczema of both feet, finding that his current condition is due to disease incurred in service. The decision also notes that there was no evidence of a skin condition during his military service but finds that his current condition likely dates back to his time in service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected left acromioclavicular separation and folliculitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his dermatitis claims, including obtaining treatment records from Dr. Arizaga and any other relevant medical providers.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinea pedis and onychomycosis of the feet do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for dermatitis, chronic, left and right legs is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The issue of an earlier effective date will be deferred until more information can be gathered.

The veteran's mood disorder with dypsnea is rated at 100 percent, and the RO has granted restoration of a 100 percent rating for residuals of Burkitt's lymphoma with cholecystectomy.

The Board granted the restoration of a 100 percent rating for residuals of Burkitt's lymphoma with cholecystectomy and remanded the remaining issues to the RO. The decision on the tinea unguium pedis claim is granted.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected hypersensitivity to insect bites and iodine did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for VCAA compliance and updated examination under new criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for atopic dermatitis, finding that there is no evidence linking current atopic dermatitis to a disease or injury in service.

The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea and increased the rating for lumbar spine disability to 40 percent effective from May 14, 1998. The claim for an initial TDIU rating was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected dermatitis seborrheica of the scalp since August 30, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of PTSD treatment and conducting a dermatology examination to determine if any current skin conditions are related to service, including herbicide exposure. The stressors supporting the diagnosis of PTSD will also be evaluated.