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

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for duodenal peptic disease, tinea versicolor (skin fungal infection), and entrapment of the right testicle were denied. The effective date for the award based on multiple noncompensable disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 was set at June 9, 1997.

The Board found no evidence of a low back injury during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left knee disability, and stasis dermatitis of the right leg.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss disability, and her service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is manifested by tenderness on palpation without functional limitation. The initial evaluations for tinea versicolor, polynephritis, and tinnitus are denied as well.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for myasthenia gravis, ulcer disorder, autoimmune disorder, colitis, and hand dermatitis (claimed as lesions) due to a lack of current diagnoses or medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's psoriasis of the penis is not related to his service-connected post-operative residuals of circumcision and does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chloracne is related to his service, specifically his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for chloracne is granted.

The veteran's neurodermatitis was granted a 60% rating effective January 17, 2003. The initial rating for irritable bowel syndrome remains at 30%.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and tinea cruris, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The veteran's claims for loss of teeth, tinea versicolor, an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, dizzy spells, and erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation were all denied as they are not related to service.,There is no evidence showing that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the veteran's active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for periodontal disease due to smoking and nicotine dependence, as well as her requests for increased evaluations for psoriasis and external hemorrhoids. The appeals were not granted.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar myalgia was increased to a 20 percent rating effective March 8, 2001. His initial compensable evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae and his claim for service connection for tinea versicolor were all granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's epidermatophytosis with tinea pedis, including tinea cruris and tinea pedis, warrants a 10 percent rating since August 30, 2002.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for higher ratings for acne and diabetes mellitus due to a lack of VCAA notification, as well as the need for additional examinations.

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations and requested the RO to obtain SSA records for a comprehensive evaluation of the appellant's disabilities, with consideration of their impact on his employability.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current diabetes mellitus or chloracne to his military service, including any presumed exposure to herbicides. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no service-connected condition caused or contributed to his death.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cervical spine disorder, chest pain, and tinea pedis. The veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to a request for a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's appeal is denied for the issues of service connection for various conditions, with no new evidence provided to reopen previously denied claims.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.