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

The Board finds that the Veteran's dermatitis does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it covers less than 40% of her exposed and unexposed areas, and no systemic therapy has been required during the past year.

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis but denied service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's nervous disorder claim is remanded.

The Veteran's skin condition, which included eczematoid dermatitis, folliculitis, and lichen simplex chronicus/fissuring of the penis, was currently rated at 10 percent. The RO denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's psoriasis was granted service connection, but the effective date remains pending as further evaluation is needed to determine the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his employment issues are due to non-service connected conditions and psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities from January 2, 2004, to March 3, 2005, and from December 1, 2005, to September 1, 2006.

The Veteran's skin disorders, including urticaria, angioedema, psoriasis, and lichen simplex chronicus, were shown in service and have been treated continuously since then. The Board finds that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to an increased rating for any condition.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, right heel hyperkeratosis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and posttraumatic headaches have been rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The Veteran is granted a compensable rating for each condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for seborrheic dermatitis, effective October 25, 2007.

The Veteran's acne keloidalis of the head, trunk, and groin is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that he does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for chloracne, to include as secondary to Agent Orange exposure due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's left knee arthrotomy has not manifested by locking, ankylosis, recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, impairment of the tibia and fibula or genu recurvatum; flexion of the left knee has been limited to 90 degrees and extension has always been to zero degrees.,The Veteran's right knee meniscectomy has not manifested by locking, ankylosis, recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, impairment of the tibia and fibula or genu recurvatum; flexion of the right knee has been limited to 50 degrees and extension has always been to zero degrees.,The Veteran's left ankle disability has not manifested by ankylosis, malunion of the os calcis or astragulus, astragalectomy or marked limitation of motion.,The Veteran's left thumb disability has never manifested by ankylosis or inability to oppose the thumb.,The Veteran's tinea versicolor does not affect the head, face or neck or involve scarring; it has manifested by hyperpigmented lesions that do not affect at least 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, and has never required systemic therapy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining whether new evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his service-connected back and skin disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, migraine headaches, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced a continuity of symptoms since service and provided sufficient evidence to support these findings.

The Veteran's psoriasis with seborrhea is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent based on generalized skin involvement without systemic manifestations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests; he does not have an employment handicap.