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

The Board denied increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including post-traumatic arthritis of the knees, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and a right ankle disability. The veteran was not granted any new evaluations or connections.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for dermatitis, right tibial stress injury, and right hip strain. The low back disorder and left leg disorder were not found to be related to service or any incident thereof.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for eczema and lichen simplex of the legs, as well as his attempts to reopen his claim for history of thrombophlebitis with varicosities, left leg. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of residuals of a right ankle sprain, right foot/heel condition, and acne with scars of the facial area have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection of TMJ dysfunction/disease, small vessel peripheral vascular disease (SVPVD), contact dermatitis, and bilateral heel disorder. The initial rating for obstructive sleep apnea was increased to 50 percent effective from April 21, 2005.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the veteran's currently diagnosed chloracne is due to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for chloracne is granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis C and a skin rash at his June 2008 Board hearing.

The veteran has withdrawn all of his claims, including those for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for the service-connected lumbosacral strain with levorotational scoliosis effective January 19, 2006. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for psoriasis was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to July 20, 2005, for the award of a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability. The veteran had been gainfully employed since at least November 1999 and his PTSD was productive of significant occupational impairment as reflected in his current 70% schedular evaluation.

The veteran is seeking service connection for his skin disorders, which he claims are related to his military service. The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and a skin disorder identified as stucco keratosis and folliculitis, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after service. The claim for PTSD was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred.

The Board has denied service connection for a skin disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or continuity of symptoms post-service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his skin condition and right ear hearing loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne, finding no evidence of a current disability related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) warrants a 10 percent rating from August 30, 2002. The condition was rated under Diagnostic Code 7800 for disfigurement of the head, face, or neck due to its manifestation of abnormal skin texture.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, Tinea Versicolor, and Tinea Cruris are all service-connected. The decision is based on direct evidence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that none of them were incurred or aggravated during his periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA). The appellant had a preexisting left knee disorder and was not shown to have any new injuries or diseases in ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. He also did not meet the criteria for service connection due to his psychiatric condition, deep vein thrombosis of the left leg, or pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The VA determined that the veteran's atopic dermatitis does not warrant a higher rating as it affects less than 20% of his body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy is required.

The veteran had a pending TDIU claim at the time of his death, which was granted. The cause of death is being addressed separately.