Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have a current disability of tinea pedis or chronic knee disabilities, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's skin disorder, tinea versicolor, was found to cover no more than 20-40% of his body or exposed areas affected and did not require corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs prior to February 16, 2010. Therefore, the claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a 30 percent rating.,The Veteran's effective date for his increased disability rating of 30 percent for generalized dermatitis has been advanced from September 13, 2006 to the date of claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected eczema and bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension with an enlarged heart and acne were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected follicular atopic dermatitis was reduced from a 60 percent rating to a 30 percent rating effective December 1, 2007. The Board found that the reduction was improper due to procedural errors and restored the original 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's low back condition is service-connected, and his acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and PTSD) may be related to service. The lung condition is not service-connected.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a current skin disorder, specifically psoriasis, that is related to his active military service or exposure to Agent Orange. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and dermatitis of the arms, hands, and left foot have been denied. The evidence received since the last final denial is not new or material to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected skin disability is being remanded due to improper consideration of photographic evidence. Additional development, including a VA examination and review of the claims file, is required before further adjudication can be undertaken.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected tinea versicolor and urethritis/prostatitis. The issues on appeal are related to initial evaluations for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right fifth metacarpal fracture and left hand dermatitis were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal seeking a compensable disability rating for dermatitis was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran had in-service noise exposure and continuous symptomatology since separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the RO for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a dermatological examination.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and arranging for orthopedic and skin examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected seborrheic dermatitis of the feet, finding that it does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under the applicable VA rating schedule.

Service connection is granted for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB).,Service connection is not granted for an eye disorder.,Service connection is not granted for a left fifth toe disorder.,Service connection is not granted for residuals of circumcision.

The Veteran's combined schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities is 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no current diagnosis of hearing loss or foot disability. The right clavicle rating was found to be appropriate at 10 percent. The tinea versicolor ratings were also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.