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

The Board remands the case to obtain additional evidence and schedule a VA examination.

The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating prior to July 22, 2008, and was rated at 30 percent from that date onward.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and bilateral tinea pedis were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria. The claim for lumbar strain was remanded.

The Board remands the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's hypothyroidism and dermatitis.

The Board denied service connection for alcohol and drug abuse secondary to PTSD, hypertension, and an exfoliated skin disorder (claimed as chloracne) due to the lack of evidence supporting a direct link between these conditions and the veteran's military service.

The appeal is remanded for a comprehensive VA examination to determine if the veteran's skin condition, including dermatitis and urticaria, is related to service.

The veteran's chloracne was incurred in active service due to presumed exposure to an herbicide agent during his tours of duty in Vietnam.

The veteran's service-connected hyperhidrosis of the feet with dyshidrotic dermatitis does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his eczematous dermatitis, finding that an initial rating higher than 30 percent was not warranted based on the severity of the condition as determined by recent VA examinations.

The veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was granted, while right ear hearing loss and bilateral dermatitis of the feet were denied. The PTSD rating remained at 50 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for a skin disability, were denied. The 10 percent rating for tinnitus is the maximum schedular rating available, and there was no evidence of a compensable evaluation for the hearing loss or that the skin condition was related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, a vision disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a bladder disability were denied as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected skin disability, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis. The adjustment disorder claim was remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, including Type II Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, chronic sinusitis, a skin condition, osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, thumbs, and knees, diverticulosis, and hiatal hernia and GERD, as none were found to be related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The appeal is remanded to obtain a July 2008 VA examination record and any other relevant treatment records.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for chloracne of the face is being remanded to obtain a thorough and contemporaneous medical examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, headaches, myalgia, COPD and bipolar disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of chloracne, and the other conditions are not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for tinea pedis was remanded to the RO/AMC for further development, including scheduling a VA dermatology examination.

The veteran's laceration residuals resulting in a scar and dermatitis do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, but he is granted a separate 10 percent rating for vascular insufficiency of the left lower extremity.

The veteran's skin disorder of the right foot was granted service connection, while cluster headaches, a disorder of the spine, and hematuria were denied.