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

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for tinea pedis and nail was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to September 18, 2003; a rating in excess of 30 percent from September 18, 2003 to June 18, 2004; or a compensable rating thereafter.

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

The Veteran's IBS and dermatitis of the neck were granted initial compensable ratings, while his claims for knee DJD, left ankle sprain, muscle pain, and insomnia are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome and residuals of cold injuries to bilateral lower extremities, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for dermatitis of the lower legs and ankles, were all denied by the RO. The Veteran's skin condition affecting the lower legs and ankles was found to affect less than 5 percent of his body and did not require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disorder (chloracne) and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any heart condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne due to exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam era, as the Veteran's in-service skin rash is related to his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, fibromyalgia, and chronic dermatitis. The claim of reopening a previously denied hypertension was also denied. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, right foot neuropathy, left foot neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy were not granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including providing VCAA notice as required by Kent v. Nicholson.

The Veteran's tinea pedis was not manifested by eczema with constant exudation or itching, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement. Since February 10, 1999, the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his claims, nor did he meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye condition, hearing loss, epididymitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae of the face as there is no current evidence of these conditions. The Veteran was granted service connection for hydradenitis suppurativa in December 2004.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a skin disorder, to include chloracne due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's current diagnosis of a skin disorder is considered to have its onset during military service.

The Veteran's skin disorder of the hands is not considered to be related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that the condition was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical records review.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further development and consideration due to inadequate VCAA notice regarding service-connected conditions and a condition not yet service connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, immune disorder, sinus disorder, and post-operative benign neck mass residuals including scars. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation for acne vulgaris of the face, the neck, and shoulders and right forearm nummular eczema remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. Service connection was also denied for right knee and hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for tinea versicolor and service connection for PTSD were denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for tinea versicolor was set at December 30, 2002.

The Board found that the Veteran's major depressive disorder and psoriasis form dermatitis did not warrant ratings higher than 10 percent throughout the rating period on appeal.