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

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The initial folliculitis evaluation was granted, but not more than 10 percent. TMJ syndrome evaluations were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, including tinea pedis, due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's claim was not granted as the condition is not listed among those diseases presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's skin condition of the feet, which was currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis and peripheral neuropathy, as well as his request for an increased rating for PTSD. The decision also dismissed his claim for an earlier effective date for the PTSD disability rating.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations for reflux esophagitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The RO granted a 10 percent evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae, but the Board found that the criteria did not support an evaluation in excess of this rate.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA dermatologic examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected acne with scars and whether any residual scarring is tender and painful. The RO should consider a separate rating for tender and painful residual acne scars if warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's skin condition of the feet, including tinea planus with verrucae plantaris, was not shown during service or for many years thereafter and has not been related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hand and foot conditions were denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied service connection for a skin rash, finding no evidence linking the current condition to military service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred in October 2000 for emergency treatment at a private hospital were approved because his condition was considered a medical emergency and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine if the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected atopic dermatitis is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of this rating.

The veteran's bilateral tinea pedis, which causes symptoms including constant itching and periodic exudation affecting a significant area of his feet, is now rated at 30 percent. This decision grants the veteran an increased rating for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for direct service connection for hypertension and secondary service connection for hypertension. The issue of service connection for folliculitis and actinic keratosis is deferred pending further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current chloracne is caused by his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for his claimed conditions, including a right lung mass, panic disorder, psoriasis, arthritis, and skin condition. The claim for service connection for arthritis was reopened based on new evidence, but the Board found no nexus between these conditions and military service. The ratings for diabetes mellitus with anemia and nephropathy, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and individual unemployability were also denied.

The Board denied an increased rating for tinea versicolor, finding that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on Diagnostic Code 7813 (2004). The veteran's skin disorder was evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7806 and found to affect less than 40% of his body and exposed areas. No systemic therapy or immunosuppressive drugs were required, thus preventing a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional examination and development of his claim for an increased rating for psuedofolliculitis barbae.

The veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease, PTSD, and current conditions of dyshidrotic dermatitis of the hands and acne vulgaris are all granted. However, his right ear hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of medical records and clarification of opinions from private physicians.