Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including dermatitis, PTSD, hip and knee disabilities, muscle cramps, shoulder impingement, upper back condition, cervical spine syndrome (neck condition), low back disability, and ankle disability. The appeals are all now denied.

The Veteran's skin disability, including DLE and contact dermatitis, has been rated at 10 percent since November 3, 2007.

The Board found that the appellant's melanoma and acne were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, nor are they presumed to be due to exposure to chemical dioxins. The Board denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected dyshidrotic eczema was granted a 60 percent evaluation, effective prior to May 27, 2008. The issue of reopening his PTSD claim was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective from July 2, 2005. The effective date is earlier than August 19, 2005 as the evidence shows that his full-time employment ended prior to this date.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 30 percent for service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis and pseudofolliculitis barbae, effective from the date of the initial rating decisions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied, as the evidence did not show a relationship to active service. The claim for dermatitis was also denied due to lack of sufficient disability coverage under VA rating criteria. The Veteran's right hip condition and major depressive disorder were evaluated but no compensable ratings were granted.

The Veteran's dermatitis is manifested by discoloration and scaliness, involving more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected. The Board finds that an initial rating of 60 percent for dermatitis under Diagnostic Code 7806 is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which include hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy and probable old myocardial infarction, depression with cognitive disorder associated with residuals of cerebrovascular accident, prostate cancer with impotence, dermatitis breast and arms, history of hepatitis, and residuals of cerebrovascular accident with right upper extremity hand weakness. The Veteran requires assistance in performing daily activities due to his disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for tinea cruris and tinea pedis, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's service treatment records show a history of fungal skin infections during active duty. A VA examination report from October 1972 confirmed current diagnoses of tinea pedis and probable tinea cruris. Service connection is granted for these conditions as they are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's skin disability, including chloracne, was not incurred in service and is not due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae disability was rated at 10% from January 29, 2003 through August 2, 2007 and increased to 30% effective August 3, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The Veteran was also denied an increased rating for psoriasis and initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for psoriatic arthritis of the right and left sacroiliac joints.

The Veteran's skin disorder, consisting of pseudofolliculitis barbae with superficial facial scarring, has been rated at 30 percent since the date his claim was received. The current rating is appropriate as it reflects that the condition constitutes less than 5% of the total exposed skin area and does not require systemic therapy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability that would warrant an increased rating, and the Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since January 21, 2009. The other conditions have not met the criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's skin disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 10, 2008 and increased to 30 percent as of that date. The appeal is denied for both periods.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet with bunions and calluses were initially rated at 10 percent prior to February 25, 2008, and increased to 30 percent beginning that date. The low back strain was initially rated at 20 percent and remained at that level. The chronic cystitis required a separate 10 percent rating. Uterine fibroids were rated as 10 percent effective from February 25, 2008.