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

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinea cruris were evaluated, with the PTSD rated at 50 percent disabling. The tinea cruris was not compensably rated.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic gastritis, colon cancer, and psoriasiform dermatitis. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury, nor is there any evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for xeroderma of the feet, atopic dermatitis of the hands, and tinea cruris as there was no evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Board denied service connection for psoriasis, finding that the veteran's preexisting psoriasis was not aggravated by military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's service-connected atopic dermatitis causes constant itching and occasional extensive lesions, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for a TDIU and service connection for basal cell carcinoma due to insufficient evidence in the record. The veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected skin disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus, which he contends make it difficult for him to secure or maintain employment. His claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma has been previously denied but may be reopened with new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, left patellofemoral syndrome, arthritis of both feet, and arthritis of the left knee are all granted. The rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is increased to 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations and the obtaining of medical records to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for contact dermatitis of the feet and perennial allergic rhinitis, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for contact dermatitis. The claim for perennial allergic rhinitis was remanded due to a lack of medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's skin condition, including acne vulgaris and chloracne, finding that it is due to exposure to herbicides during his active military service.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain has not been manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or objective evidence of compensable adverse neurological symptomatology. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.,Since August 7, 2003, the veteran's tinea versicolor has not been manifested by involvement of over 20 to 40 percent of the entire body, or involvement of 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas, nor has systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs been required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during a twelve month period. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for tinea pedis, effective August 30, 2002. The veteran's condition is characterized by moccasin-type scale and maceration between his toes, along with callosities on the soles of his feet.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinea pedis with onychomycosis, bilateral hearing loss, genitourinary condition, cardiovascular disorder, residuals of pneumonia, and prostate condition are denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches and granted a 30% initial rating for tinea capitis effective November 4, 2004. No higher rating was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for asthma, sinusitis, chondromalacia of the left knee, chronic low back pain, and acne with keloidal papules on scalp, earlobes and face. The conditions were evaluated as directly related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a skin disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure and for a disability due to asbestos exposure, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's skin disorder, including history of squamous cell carcinoma, seborrhea dermatitis, and actinic keratoses, was not incurred or aggravated during active duty. The Board denied service connection for the skin disorder as it is not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, Barrett's esophagus to include diverticulitis, or psoriasis as a result of service. The Board also found that hypertension and congestive heart failure with coronary artery disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service.