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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain medical records and for further consideration of his claims.

The Board found that the evidence was at least in approximate balance regarding whether subjective complaints and objective evidence showed tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and tinea manuum manifested by constant itching throughout the appeal period. Less than 40 percent of the entire body and less than 40 percent of exposed areas were affected; near constant systemic therapy was not required; neither skin disorder had exceptional repugnancy or significant systemic or nervous manifestations.

The veteran's athlete's foot (claimed as trench foot) is rated at 10 percent effective September 12, 2004.

The veteran's chloracne affects 40 percent of his total body surface area and 10 percent of the exposed body surface on the back of his neck. The VA determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted for his condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him helpless and in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for such aid.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an irregular heart beat and tinea folliculitis of the face and head were denied. The claim for increase in rating for tinnitus was not remanded, so it remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, as it did not involve at least 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, or require systemic therapy. The condition is currently rated 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected skin disability was productive of complaints of itchy skin prior to December 6, 2007. However, the evidence did not show that his condition covered at least 5 percent of his entire body or exposed areas, or required intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids.,Since December 6, 2007, the veteran's skin disability was productive of complaints of itchy skin and objectively showed no coverage of at least 20 percent of his entire body or exposed areas. The evidence did not show that he required systemic therapy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as it affects less than 20% of his entire body and less than 40% of exposed areas. The condition is rated under Diagnostic Code 7806 for dermatitis or eczema.

The Board denied service connection for a skin rash, chronic fatigue syndrome, and nausea as they were not shown to be related to service or Persian Gulf War service.,There is no evidence of a diagnosed condition for the claimed conditions.

The Board finds that the veteran's skin disorders, including acantholytic dyskeratosis dermatitis, are not related to his active military service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.,The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left ear sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.,The veteran's claim for service connection for right ear sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.,The veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability and psoriasis are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.,The veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability, secondary to his cervical spine disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.,The veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability, secondary to his cervical spine disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae or any other skin disorder of the face, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding the issues of service connection for fibromyalgia, a higher rating for dyshidrotic eczema from August 30, 2002, and a higher rating for headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a facial skin disorder, finding no current diagnosis of such condition and noting that it is not associated with presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. His tinnitus was already at the maximum schedular rating, and his eczema claim did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.

The veteran's chronic skin disability, photodermatitis and porphyria cutanea tarda, is etiologically related to active duty. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The increased rating for tinea versicolor remains unchanged.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as to the issues of entitlement to service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and entitlement to higher initial ratings for hearing loss and for tinnitus due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ear hearing loss, degenerative disc disease (DDD), obstructive lung disease (OLD), and acne. The veteran was assigned non-compensable disability ratings for his left ear hearing loss and DDD, and a 10 percent rating for OLD. His claim for acne was denied.