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

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and psoriasis as there was no evidence of a nexus between the post-service diagnoses and the veteran's military service.

The appeal is remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC, for the purpose of scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's tinea pedis was denied a compensable evaluation as the condition did not meet the criteria for any rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's chronic dermatitis was rated at 60 percent from March 2005, and a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was maintained.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, alcohol dependence, substance-induced mood disorder and opiate and benzodiazepine abuse, right knee condition, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (claimed as a right leg condition), stomach condition, and residuals of tinea pedis treatment (claimed as jungle rot of the feet) were denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, neck disability, and skin disability as there was no credible evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and the veteran's active duty.

The appeal was remanded to ensure compliance with notification requirements of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) due to a damaged claims file from flooding at the New Orleans, Louisiana, RO.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange, finding no evidence linking the veteran's current skin conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for service connection for spina bifida and a right knee disability (degenerative joint disease, right knee) were denied. The claim for tinea pedis was granted at 10%, while the claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, left knee chondromalacia patella, and left knee limitation of flexion were all denied.

The veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to verified in-service stressors of coming under enemy rocket and mortar attacks while stationed at Phu Bai on August 18, 1970.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The veteran is entitled to an effective date of June 6, 2003, for the grant of service connection for bronchial asthma and folliculitis of the scalp. The claims for a rash on the hands and legs, as well as degenerative arthritis of the back, hands, and hips, were denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, enlarged prostate, pain in the arms, hands, and feet, and a dental disorder as there is no evidence of these conditions during or after service. The claim for TDIU was also denied as the veteran does not meet the schedular criteria.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a broken nose, bladder disorder and eczema on the back were denied. The claim for acute epididymitis was withdrawn by the veteran. Service connection was granted for rectal polyps, but an initial rating of 10% was assigned.

The veteran's claims for an increase in the rating for residuals of renal colic and a compensable rating for tinea cruris are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for heat rash, tinea versicolor, and psoriasis as there was no current disability demonstrated.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot conditions, as well as increased ratings for dermatitis and lumbar strain, were denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, while his claims for increased ratings for folliculitis of the face and post-operative residuals, tumor, buccal vestibule area of mental nerve in region of tooth #27 were granted.

The veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss, effective March 6, 2008. The claim for service connection for a skin disease, to include eczema and chloracne, remains pending.

The veteran's superficial scarring of the face, neck and upper back as a result of chloracne is presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated during active military service including exposure to herbicides.