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

The Board denied service connection for lichenoid dermatitis due to herbicide exposure, as well as evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right knee and lumbar spine disabilities. The veteran was granted a TDIU rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae with keloids is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board found that the veteran's postoperative umbilical hernia is well-healed with no associated disability, and thus a noncompensable rating was appropriate. The claim for an increased rating for dermatitis was remanded due to insufficient medical records.

The Board found that the veteran's seborrheic dermatitis was not incurred or aggravated during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA has determined that the veteran's psoriasis does not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation above 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current skin condition to his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's fungus infection of the skin (tinea versicolor) was not shown in service or diagnosed for years thereafter, and is not attributed to military service by competent medical evidence.

The veteran's combined evaluation of 70 percent from January 1, 2002 meets the schedular requirements for a grant of entitlement to individual unemployability. However, further examination is needed to determine if his service-connected disabilities interfere with his ability to work.

PTSD was rated at 30 percent since June 5, 2000.,Chloracne was rated at 10 percent from December 20, 1999 to August 29, 2002.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, chloracne (claimed as resulting from herbicide exposure), and left ear hearing loss have been denied. The RO has obtained all relevant evidence necessary for an equitable disposition of the veteran's appeal.

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for strained right (major) shoulder with slap lesion, lumbar strain, and bilateral tinea pedis as there is no evidence of arthritis or LOM in his right shoulder, full ROM in his back, or any pathology that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to inadequate evidence regarding the extent of his service-connected disabilities' impact on daily self-care functions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, sinusitis, and skin disorders including tinea pedis, tinea versicolor, and tinea cruris. The veteran's gastritis with duodenitis and cholelithiasis, status post cholecystectomy, was not related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected subacute eczema warrants a 10 percent disability rating effective as of September 13, 2002.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension existed at entry and was not aggravated during service, denying his claim for service connection. The congestive heart failure, eye disorder, and skin condition were also denied as not related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, asbestosis, and a higher rating for tinea pedis with hyperkeratomycosis. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's chloracne and acoustic neuroma, postoperative, both presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral optic atrophy and tinea versicolor, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The skin disability was rated at 30 percent prior to regulatory changes.

The veteran's dermatitis was evaluated as 10% disabling from November 3, 2005. The condition affected less than 20 percent of his exposed areas but more than 5 percent overall.