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

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for psuedofolliculitis barbae, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bronchitis and awarded a compensable initial rating of 10 percent for the veteran's scars of the left forearm. The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under current criteria. The residuals of his laceration to the left wrist are also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant's atopic dermatitis was not aggravated by his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board granted a compensable rating of 20 percent for the service-connected chip fracture of the left ankle and found that the veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for tinea pedis. The claim for service connection for frostbite of the feet was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for asthma and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor results in a disability picture that more nearly approximates constant itching, but does not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to lack of ulceration or extensive exfoliation. The current evaluation of 30 percent is granted.

The veteran's tinea pedis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating because it does not cover 20 to 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas, and there is no evidence of systemic therapy.

The Board granted service connection for acne vulgaris effective from March 25, 2001. The veteran's claim was initially denied in November 1972 and reopened in March 1974.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claims for service connection for chloracne and neuropathy of the upper extremities as a result of exposure to Agent Orange were also denied due to lack of evidence showing onset within one year of service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psoriasis does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as it affects less than 20% of his entire body and no systemic therapy is required.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current neuropsychiatry condition, right knee condition, low back condition, onychomiscosis, hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service. The veteran's psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are currently rated at 0 percent, while his epidermal cyst is also rated at 0 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for scoliosis of the lumbar spine and a chronic skin disorder, but denied his claim for a compensable rating for scoliosis of the thoracic spine.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee, GERD, normocytic normochromic anemia, pseudofolliculitis barbae, status post left orbital and maxillary sinus fracture, headaches, and nosebleeds are all rated as they currently stand.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in him being substantially confined to his dwelling or immediate premises and he requires the care or assistance of another person on a regular basis to protect himself from the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has determined that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the veteran's service connected disabilities render him so disabled as to require the aid and attendance of another person, thus granting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's asthma, chloracne, and peripheral neuropathy were not found to be related to service. Service connection for these conditions was denied. The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10%.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic irritant contact dermatitis involving the plantar aspects of both feet, finding that it is related to an injury sustained during active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypothyroidism and tinea unguium, finding that neither condition warranted a rating higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board has granted initial compensable disability ratings for zygomatic arch fracture residuals and pseudofolliculitis barbae, with a maximum rating of 10 percent for each condition.

The veteran's lichen simplex chronicus has been granted service connection. The claim for PTSD was denied, and the skin condition (lichen simplex) is now granted with a 20% rating for lumbosacral strain.