Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2008

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression secondary to diabetes, CAD, valvular heart disease, acid reflux or GERD, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, intermittent claudication, diabetic retinopathy, left foot and toe disability, psoriasis, and hypertension. The reasons for these denials are provided in the decision.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule, as it did not cover more than 20% of his exposed or total body area and did not require systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and tinea pedis, do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his knee disorders and skin disability.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder disability, tinea pedis, and other musculoskeletal issues. Service connection is not granted as the evidence does not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board found no evidence of chloracne and denied the veteran's claim for service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of chloracne, hypertension, residuals of a stroke, osteoarthritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) related to his military service. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for a higher rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective from April 2, 1997. The earlier effective date for tinnitus was also granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying stressors related to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for obtaining terminal hospitalization records and a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected stasis dermatitis caused or contributed to his death.

The Board found that the veteran did not submit a timely notice of disagreement for his initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for service-connected hallux valgus, left foot and right foot. The claims to reopen for tinea versicolor and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were also denied as new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for acne, glaucoma, cataracts, ocular hypertension, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and hyperglycemia due to INH therapy during service. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or secondary to other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding no current diagnoses or medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's medical expenses for an EEG, minor eye surgery, and a sleep study were not authorized in advance by VA and therefore denied payment or reimbursement.

The veteran's extensive use of a pneumatic drill in service has contributed to his current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with neurologic dysfunction in the right wrist. The Board finds that this disorder is at least as likely as not due to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis, finding that the evidence did not support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disability characterized as tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis is not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further action.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of atopic dermatitis, but the Board dismissed his claim as it was based on a previous denial that has been subsumed in a final decision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis and right hand disability, as well as his claim for higher SMC were all denied by the RO.