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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date, finding that it was not factually ascertainable prior to April 24, 1996 that his service-connected disability rendered him totally disabled.

The veteran's case is being remanded due to non-compliance with the Board's November 2003 Remand. The RO must ensure all notification and development action required by VCAA are fully complied with, including obtaining additional treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is being remanded to the RO for further development, including consideration of his employment impact and hospitalization due to the condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disability, specifically seborrheic dermatitis, does not warrant an increased rating under either the old or new criteria for evaluating disabilities involving the skin.

The Board found that the veteran's current skin disability was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not related to his herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is manifested by more than moderate liver damage, with recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal disturbance and mental depression. The Board granted an initial rating of 60 percent for hepatitis C.

The veteran's prostate disorder and skin disorders were not service-connected, and the rating for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder was granted a 70 percent evaluation effective July 1, 2000. The RO also awarded an earlier effective date of July 1, 1997 for the total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's acne vulgaris is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant an increased evaluation. The evidence also does not support a finding of unemployability based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions of psoriasis with arthritis of multiple joints and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The VA determined that the appellant's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not warrant a higher rating than the current 10 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for more severe disfigurement or other disabling conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for eczema was granted, and he is now receiving a 10% rating.,Service connection for malaria was established based on the veteran's history of treatment in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's facial scars and acne. The RO will then review the claims folder and readjudicate the issue based on de novo review.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected eczematoid dermatitis with pruritis ani did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and an increased rating for his systolic heart murmur. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for either condition.

The Board found that the veteran's dermatitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the revised VA skin disability rating criteria. The condition was limited to the plantar areas and interdigital spaces, with no nail involvement.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder claimed as secondary to Agent Orange Exposure, finding that there is no evidence linking the current condition to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis with dermatitis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not supported by the evidence of record. The veteran's symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected psoriasis, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the disability warranted a higher evaluation prior to October 21, 2002.

The Board found no evidence linking the cause of the veteran's death to any service-connected condition, resulting in a denial of the claim.