Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The veteran's service-connected acrochordon, axillae and in the groin area with tinea infection of the left knee, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis is currently rated at 10 percent, which also does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all service connection claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis and hypertension, as well as an increased rating for PTSD, were denied. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted but the RO did not provide a specific effective date.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected acne was withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various foot disorders, headaches, hearing loss, gallbladder disease, and pancreatitis were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left knee and ankle disorders, spondylosis (low back disorder), spondylolisthesis (low back disorder), post-operative right foot and right ankle condition with degenerative joint disease, hypertension, and bilateral tinea pedis. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening any of these claims.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's superficial perivascular dermatitis, which affects more than 40 percent of his total body surface area.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, chronic bronchitis, and sinusitis. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disease, including psoriasis and benign tumors, to include as secondary to an in-service electrical shock injury or, in the alternative, as secondary to a service-connected right below-the-knee amputation due to underlying peripheral vascular disease.

The veteran's folliculitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae were incurred or aggravated during service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his low back disability, right knee strain, and tinea pedis with onychomycosis and tinea versicolor were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable rating codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic photosensitivity dermatitis is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea capitis, and left ankle injury is granted.,The veteran's current diagnoses of pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea capitis, and left ankle injury are found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's atopic dermatitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it affects less than 5 percent of her entire body or exposed areas and only requires topical therapy.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left knee, shoulder, and skin conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's folliculitis was granted service connection, but his DJD of the hands and ankles remains denied.,His tinea cruris received a higher initial rating to 10%, while his bilateral plantar fasciitis also received a higher initial rating to 30%.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinea pedis and dyshidrotic eczema of the bilateral palmar surface and papular atopic dermatitis do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis, chloracne, skin cancer of the left face, and a sinus disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were related to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The VA determined that the veteran's acne scars do not warrant a higher rating as they are superficial and do not meet the criteria for more severe disfigurement or other disabling conditions.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected tinea pedis does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it involves less than 5% of the total body surface area and is not considered an exposed area.