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

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic dermatitis prior to March 1, 2005 was granted with a 30% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal, hearing loss, left wrist, left ankle, and skin conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and skin disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis does not warrant a compensable rating as it affects less than 5 percent of his entire body and exposed areas, with no evidence of painful scarring or disfigurement.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied. The appeals for initial compensable evaluations for residual of scars, bilateral inguinal hernia repairs and folliculitis barbae were withdrawn by the Veteran. The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for blastocystis hominis remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his skin disability was denied, and the claim for service connection for PTSD was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806 (for dermatitis or eczema), as less than 5% of the entire body or exposed areas were affected.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including chloracne, is being remanded for further examination and determination of its etiology.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and groin rash claims are being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for deep venous thrombosis with venous insufficiency, stasis dermatitis and eczema, peripheral artery disease is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and medical opinion regarding service connection for a skin disability due to lack of current evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acne of the back, head, face, and neck was not caused or aggravated by service, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted a 70% rating for PTSD, but his other claims remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was not considered as it is not related to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) and a right knee disability secondary to his left knee disability have been denied. The Veteran was granted secondary service connection for the right knee disability, but no rating has been assigned.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for high blood pressure, tinea pedis (foot rash), residuals of necrotic omentum, and prostatitis have all been denied as there is no competent or credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran is service connected for a chronic eczema-type skin disorder affecting most of his body surface area, which produces clothing stains that cannot be completely removed with laundering and professional cleaning. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance.

The Veteran's cyst, skin disorder (chloracne), and folliculitis are not related to his service.

The Board found no current deviated septum and denied service connection for it. The Veteran's right hand disorder is currently considered a possible disability, possibly related to service injury in 2000. Service connection for eczema was not granted as there was no service-connected condition found.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected infundi bulofolliculitis.