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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of compensable right knee disability or service connection for low back condition, asthma, migraine, or razor bumps.

The Board found that the veteran's seborrheic dermatitis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it did not involve exudation, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement. The evidence showed intermittent topical therapy but no systemic therapy.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral tinea pedis and onychomycosis has been granted, with a current 10 percent rating.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected cervical strain, scar, residual left ankle surgery, lumbar strain with degenerative changes at T12-L1, right ilio-tibial band syndrome, retropatellar pain syndromes of the knees, postoperative residuals of a malleolus fracture, allergic rhinitis, tinea corporis and tinea cruris, left wrist strain, left epididymitis, and scar from a thumb laceration have all been denied.,The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher evaluations under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor, effective from the date of the decision. The appeal regarding mental condition/psychological disorder was withdrawn prior to the issuance of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral neurodermatitis of the hands, finding that the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for gout, congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and increased rating for tinea of the hands and feet were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current right ear hearing loss disability by VA standards, and the skin condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under applicable codes.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a skin condition, claimed as chloracne, which he contends began in service and is related to herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded due to the need for an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his skin disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and low back disability were denied. The skin disability claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's immune complex disease, including chloracne, acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, porphyria cutanea tarda, or any other immune complex disease are at least as likely as not directly related to his exposure to Agent Orange in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have dermatitis or an ulcer of the left leg that is caused or aggravated by his service-connected fracture of the left third toe.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, finding that his contact dermatitis preexisted active duty and did not permanently worsen as a result of service. The Board also found no evidence of any other chronic skin disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis, and is granting the claim on a grant of direct service connection. The claims for loss of sense of smell and sinusitis are remanded as further medical examination and development are needed.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain all of the veteran's service treatment records from May 1971 to April 1975 and provide him with an examination by a dermatologist to determine if his chloracne is related to his military service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran's pruritus is a symptom of his service-connected eczema and did not meet the criteria for separate service connection. The Board also denied the claim for an increased rating for eczema, as it did not meet the schedular criteria.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's claims for service connection and a TDIU, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to his service-connected disabilities or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's death is unclear, and the cause of her death needs to be verified. The appellant claims she was the executrix of the veteran's estate for burial purposes, but no proof of appointment as such has been provided. There is a discrepancy regarding who paid for the final burial expenses.

The veteran's skin disorders, including dyshidrosis and tinea pedis, are considered service-connected. However, contact dermatitis is not found to be related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea/insomnia, chloracne as secondary to herbicide exposure, a cervical spine disability, and peripheral neuropathy. The veteran's complaints of these conditions were not found to be related to his time in service.