Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for fungal dermatitis, right third and fourth fingers, ichthyosis vulgaris, right hand, left knee, and left flank is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examination records and providing the veteran with notice under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for acne vulgaris and depressive neurosis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or revised VA skin disease rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and initial disability ratings for bilateral onychomycosis and bilateral tinea pedis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for atopic dermatitis was denied as he failed to report for multiple VA examinations without good cause. His claim for service connection for tinnitus was not adjudicated due to lack of sufficient medical evidence.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent effective July 1, 2003. His psoriasis/asteatotic eczema remains at a 30 percent rating since December 6, 2000.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records related to the veteran's psoriasis and diabetes mellitus. The veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The VA denied a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected chloracne.

The Board has determined that the veteran's eczema of the hands does not warrant a disability rating greater than 10 percent, as there is no evidence of extensive lesions or marked disfigurement. The most recent VA examination found no active rash and only intermittent redness and itching.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not causally related to his service-connected atopic dermatitis. The veteran's hearing loss and atopic dermatitis are not service connected.

The veteran's left knee disorder and actinic keratosis and acne rosacea were not found to be service-connected or warrant increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current skin disorder is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury to the lower legs and a rating in excess of 30 percent for eczematous dermatitis were denied. The Board found no evidence linking his current conditions to service, including exposure to cold injuries or Agent Orange. His TDIU claim was also denied as his combined disability ratings do not meet the schedular requirements.

The veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected neurodermatitis was denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The SMC claim for his spouse due to her need for aid and attendance was also denied.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of ulcerative colitis and psoriasis have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on his housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and hepatitis, both determined to be due to disease or injury incurred in active duty. The effective dates of these grants are not specified.

The veteran's case is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and review of medical records.