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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for chloracne, gallstones, and hearing loss are pending.

The veteran's service-connected anxiety with depression is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his severe disability from this condition.

The Board has determined that a 10 percent rating is warranted for the veteran's dermatitis papillaris capillitis with residual alopecia of the posterior scalp, as this condition does not interfere with sleep and is relieved by keeping the scalp protected from sunlight. The condition affects less than 20 percent of the exposed areas.

The Board found that there is no evidence of psoriasis during active service or a relationship to service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The veteran's tinea versicolor was rated as noncompensable prior to August 30, 2002 and in excess of 10 percent from August 30, 2002 to August 25, 2003. From August 25, 2003 forward, the veteran's tinea versicolor warranted a rating in excess of 30 percent.,The veteran's hammer toe of the left and right feet was rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and an examination to determine his ability to work given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of fractures of the distal phalanges of the great, 2nd and 3rd toes of the left foot and tinea pedis with onychomycosis.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The initial disability evaluations for GERD, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, and right foot are maintained at 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is about his service-connected dyshidrotic and atopic dermatitis, which has been rated as 30 percent disabling. The case is being remanded for additional development of the evidence.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral shoulder disorder, folliculitis, or residuals of fracture of the right ring finger related to his military service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosed bilateral foot disorders are not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's initial claim for an increased disability evaluation for eczematous dermatitis of the lower extremities was granted, and he is currently receiving a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran did not have service in Vietnam and denied his claims for diabetes mellitus and tinea versicolor as they are unrelated to service.

The Board found that the evidence submitted was not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for eczema (dermatitis).

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not etiologically related to his military service or exposure to toxic herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder and acne vulgaris, finding no current diagnosis of either condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current pseudofolliculitis barbae is service-connected, as there was chronic pseudofolliculitis barbae in service and similar manifestations were present post-service.

The Board found that the veteran's malignant melanoma was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The decision also noted that tinea pedis, a current disability, is not related to service.

The veteran's cervical arthritis is presumed to have been incurred during active military service. The right shoulder disorder and chronic rash (psoriasis) are not currently granted as service-connected.