Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected dyshidrotic eczema of the feet was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by chronic fatigue syndrome, tinea pedis, chest and cardiovascular symptoms, bronchitis and pharyngitis (claimed as ear, nose, and throat problems), headaches, or sensitivity to bright light due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.,The Veteran's currently diagnosed tension headaches are not related to service origin. The atypical chest pain is considered a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness that was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The VA determined that the Veteran's skin disability, characterized as eczema with chronic dermatitis, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected calluses of the feet and bilateral tinea pedis were evaluated, with a final rating of 10% for each foot. The decision also addressed whether there was any new evidence warranting reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal on this issue at a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board finds the medical evidence of record is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are manifested by the loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet. As a result, the claim for certification of eligibility for automotive and adaptive equipment is granted.

The Veteran's right knee, thigh injury, heel disability, and tinea pedis have been granted service connection. The initial ratings for these conditions are all set at 10%.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be at least as likely as not due to acoustic trauma during service. The skin disorder, diagnosed as dermatitis herpetiformis, is found to be related to celiac disease (previously seen by the dermatology clinic and associated with diabetes mellitus), rather than to the service-connected diabetes.

The Board has awarded separate 50% ratings for left and right heel decubitus ulcers under the old criteria, as they are analogous to eczema with ulceration or extensive exfoliation or crusting.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for the residuals, shrapnel wound left buttock was withdrawn. The Board finds that hearing loss in the right ear is likely related to service exposure to noise and grants service connection for this condition. Service connection for a skin disorder (psoriasis) and psoriatic arthritis are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disability/skin problems and stomach condition/gastrointestinal symptoms, finding that these conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as parapsoriasis, is currently rated at 30 percent and covers less than 40% of his entire body. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's skin conditions (rosacea and folliculitis) are found to be related to his military service. His PTSD is rated at 50% since August 8, 2005.

The Veteran's skin rash, diagnosed as mild psoriasis, was not incurred in or aggravated by his second period of military service in the Southwest Asia (SWA) Theater of Operations. The Board found that there is no objective evidence of continuity of symptomatology and a medical nexus to the Veteran's second period of military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an exfoliated skin disorder, claimed as chloracne, is denied because there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for hypercholesterolemia, duodenitis gastritis, umbilical hernia, congestive heart failure, psoriasis, and COPD as there was no in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's pruritic dermatitis, which was previously rated at 10 percent, is now rated at 30 percent effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and muscle and joint pain, both linked to herbicide exposure during his active duty in Vietnam, were denied as there is no current disability or evidence of recurrence since service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and SSA records.