Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, inguinal hernias, Achilles tendonitis of the right foot, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, thoracic spine condition, erectile dysfunction, bilateral knee condition, and skin condition (psoriasis, warts, abscesses, cysts) have been reopened. Service connection has not been established for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of atopic dermatitis and genital herpes, as well as service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to genital herpes, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or any other service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and headaches, both related to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and jungle rot/tinea pedis were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted a 10 percent rating from October 21, 2002 to August 30, 2006. Since then, the condition has not involved more than an estimated 5-20 percent of exposed skin surface and thus does not meet criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's lumbar back disorder is rated at 20 percent since August 31, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected contact dermatitis and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee are currently rated at 10% each. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence showing less than 5% skin involvement for the dermatitis, and full range of motion with mild symptoms for the knee.

The Veteran's tinea pedis is currently rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an increased rating is granted. The issue of reopening his previously denied ear disorder claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, including as secondary to herbicide and cold weather exposure, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected dermatitis of the feet involves an exposed surface or extensive area, thus preventing a compensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for rashes and boils on a direct basis or presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and denied a compensable evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to conflicting evidence regarding the severity of his service-connected skin conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for a kidney disorder, hypertension, and Crohn's disease. The claim for reopening of pseudofolliculitis barbae was also denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional evidence to be obtained and a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and lumbosacral strain.

The Board has awarded an effective date of September 23, 2003 for service connection of chloracne based on the liberalizing Agent Orange Act of 1991. The Veteran's credible testimony and VA examination results support his claim that he experienced chloracne or its residuals since discharge from service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have been aggravated by his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation for the conditions claimed.

The Veteran's tinea cruris is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision. The psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his active military service, including exposure to herbicides. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that any current disability was incurred or aggravated by service.