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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his total disability rating based on individual unemployability, finding that it was not factually ascertainable prior to April 24, 1996 that he was totally disabled due to his service-connected skin disorders.

The Board found that the veteran's current skin disorders, including pityriasis rosea and other conditions like atopy, scalp folliculitis, acne keloidalis, and eczema, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preexisting skin condition was also determined to have not been aggravated by military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's psoriasis warranted a rating of 30 percent, reflecting involvement of five percent of his skin with constant itching and no ulceration or systemic manifestations.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has deferred further appellate consideration due to the need for additional development of evidence, including obtaining medical records and Social Security Administration documents.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acne rosacea disability is causally related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his non-service connected disabilities, finding that he is not in need of such benefits.

The VA denied a compensable evaluation for the veteran's service-connected acne keloidalis nuchae (back of the neck) disability, finding that her condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his anxiety disorder with panic attacks, low back disorder, and seborrheic dermatitis was denied. The current rating for the anxiety disorder is 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis, finding no evidence of a causal link between his military service and the condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for alopecia areata, depression, a sleep disorder (work shift), fatigue, cold sweats, tinea pedis, and pseudofoliculitis of the scalp. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 21, 1993 or any date earlier than has been assigned for the grants of service-connected disability benefits. The veteran was granted service connection and increased ratings for various conditions but there is no evidence that a claim was submitted prior to April 30, 1996.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural issues and potential need for additional evidence regarding the veteran's service in the Army National Guard.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, including as due to undiagnosed illness. The veteran's current dyshydrotic eczema was not shown to be related to service or due to an undiagnosed illness.

The VA denied an increased rating for chloracne, maintaining the current 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right foot fungus, and a right knee disability. The request to reopen his claim of service connection for skin rash was also denied. The veteran's increased rating claim for left knee injury is pending.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for epidermatophytosis with tinea pedis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and ensuring full compliance with the provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining additional medical records and addressing the issues of service connection for various skin conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including atopic dermatitis. The decision also addressed other issues related to her right knee, neck pain syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for additional examination and review of records.