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

The Board has granted service connection for psoriasis but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, bilateral cataracts, and tinea pedis is rated at 20 percent. Separate ratings for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or cataracts are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran's tinea pedis does not warrant a separate compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for Type 2 diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction was denied. His service connection claims for tinea corporis and tinea cruris were reopened.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for acne of the back, head, face, and neck. The Board finds that a VA examination is required to determine if his acne is related to his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and service connection for high cholesterol. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was currently manifested by ingrown hairs and bumps, without evidence of significant skin abnormalities or treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. His high cholesterol levels were not considered a disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, tinnitus, and acneform, are found to be sufficient for a TDIU based on the evidence showing he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for his bilateral pes planus and tinea pedis disabilities, which are currently rated at 30 percent. The VA has requested additional records from the Modesto VA healthcare system and a new examination to clarify the findings of an August 2007 VA examination regarding tinea pedis.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae, but denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his shin splints with compartment syndrome, hernia residuals, and tinea pedis, as well as his claim for service connection for asthma.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne, but denied it as new and material evidence was not provided to support the claim.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has been rated as noncompensably disabling (10%) since the grant of service connection, with at least 5% of his exposed affected area being impacted by this condition.

The Veteran's accrued benefits claims for various conditions were denied. The Veteran did not have service-connected disabilities that resulted in a rating greater than the assigned percentages, and there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents or other presumptive conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic skin disorder and has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active service, specifically noting exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's laryngeal cancer, chronic skin disorder (irritant dermatitis), and chronic eye disorder (recurring corneal erosion) are all found to be related to service. Bilateral defective hearing is not considered a service-connected condition, while tinnitus was not established as being incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected seborrheic dermatitis is being remanded due to the need for a more current VA examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from his private dermatologist.

The Veteran's current psoriasis was incurred during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for chloracne is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's cause of death claim is being remanded due to notification deficiencies.

The Veteran's skin disability was initially granted with a noncompensable rating, and later increased to 10 percent. The left ear hearing loss remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's hyperhidrosis of both feet with tinea pedis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.