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

The Board found no current bilateral knee disorder, denied service connection for allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis on allergen exposure, but granted service connection for allergic rhinitis. The veteran's hearing loss is rated as zero percent disabling.

The Board has granted a noncompensable (zero percent) disability rating for service-connected acne, effective as of August 30, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis, right foot and a left below-the-knee amputation as secondary to tinea pedis, left foot prior to June 1999. The evidence did not establish that the veteran had current disabilities or continuity of symptomatology related to his claimed conditions.

The veteran's claims for various conditions, including a right ankle disability, skin disorder, bilateral foot disorder, neck disability, bilateral hip pain, PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension were all denied by the VA. The appeals are not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne, claiming it was due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The veteran's skin rash and sleep disability were not found to be related to his military service, leading to a denial of both claims.

The veteran's PTSD claim was denied as there is no diagnosis of PTSD. The veteran's depression and shrapnel wound to the left thigh and left side of penis were not found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities, leading to denial of these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disability, manifested by scaling and itching of the palm (an exposed area), involving 5 percent of the affected area, warrants a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, hearing loss of the right ear, pseudofolliculitis barbae with keloid formation on the back of the neck, and posterolateral ligament reconstruction of the left knee are denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The veteran needs regular assistance feeding himself, bathing, dressing, walking, and taking prescribed medication, and requires care or assistance on a regular basis for protection from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has determined that the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The VA has determined that the veteran's tinea cruris does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA disability evaluation guidelines. The condition covers less than 5% of his entire body and exposed areas, and requires no more than topical therapy during any past 12-month period.

The VA determined that the veteran's psoriasis does not warrant a higher rating as it affects less than 10% of his body surface and is not severe enough to require systemic therapy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a skin condition, including as due to exposure to herbicides. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10% since May 2002.

The RO granted an increased evaluation from 10 percent to 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected eczematoid dermatitis. However, the case is REMANDED due to a need for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain VA medical opinions regarding service connection for pseudofolliculitis and hair loss, as well as a higher rating for cystic acne with scars. The veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist disorder, tinea versicolor, and candidiasis of the underarms. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and to reopen his service connection claims for thyroid condition, heart condition, peripheral neuropathy, and dermatitis. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from various VA facilities and Georgetown University Medical Center.

The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and chloracne, both claimed as due to herbicide exposure, were denied. His claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD were also denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, when combined with his education and occupational experience, are insufficient to preclude his participation in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand pain and atopic eczema, finding no objective indications of chronic disorders in or since service.