Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2005

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent prior to June 11, 2002 and at 20 percent from June 11, 2002. The left knee disability warrants a noncompensable rating. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at 10 percent. Bilateral trigger finger disabilities are each rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the claimed skin disorders, including chloracne, are not related to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is manifested by no more than exfoliation, exudation, or itching of an exposed area of skin and has been manifested by slight hyperpigmentation about the beard area with an affected area of dermatitis of less than 20 percent of the body. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability other than tinea pedis, attributing it to self-induced scratching and not related to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for MVP with a heart murmur and assigned an initial rating of 10 percent for psoriasis. The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for psoriasis was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma and acne vulgaris, as well as a TDIU claim, are being remanded to the RO for additional development of his medical records.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining copies of SSA decision and supporting medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's breathing problems and skin rash are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 15, 1993, for the award of a TDIU is denied as there was no pending claim prior to that date.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected seborrhea, manifested by atopic dermatitis and blepharitis, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, entitling him to special monthly compensation. He also meets criteria for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinea corporis is attributable to service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected hypertension, right knee instability, right knee degenerative joint disease, peeling feet (dermatophytosis, tinea unguium, and tinea pedis), and lumbosacral strain.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus and service connection for tinea versicolor was denied due to the failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis, sleep apnea, GERD, and sinusitis, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or related to his military service.

The veteran's seborrheic dermatitis with secondary hyperkeratosis was not manifested by constant exudation or itching, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement prior to August 30, 2002.,On and after August 30, 2002, the veteran's seborrheic dermatitis with secondary hyperkeratosis did not cover more than 40 percent of his entire body or more than 40 percent of the exposed areas affected.

The Board denied service connection for a sleeplessness disability, cancer, sweating disability, and skin condition due to chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure. The veteran's status post fracture of the nasal bone is currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected eczematous dermatitis is currently rated at 30 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for arteriosclerotic heart disease and seborrheic dermatitis were denied. The RO assigned a 60 percent evaluation for ASHD effective from October 7, 2002.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected eczema does not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent evaluation.