Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's combined evaluation for service-connected disabilities is 80 percent from June 20, 2000 to June 10, 2004, and 90 percent from June 11, 2004. The criteria for assignment of an increased combined evaluation are not met.

The Veteran's skin disorder, claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure, is being remanded for further examination and opinion. The issue of service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne and chronic dizziness claimed as vertigo was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has granted a 30 percent schedular rating for the service-connected skin disorder of the head, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet (dermatitis or eczema), finding that it meets the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's skin rash was not shown to have been present during service or within the presumptive period for Agent Orange exposure. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between his current skin condition and service, including presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis, duodenal ulcers, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are appropriately rated at their current levels, and there is no evidence of a lymph node disability secondary to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for seborrheic dermatitis is dismissed as no justiciable case or controversy remains.,The claim for service connection for sinusitis has been reopened, but the evidence does not establish a current disability related to service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have chronic maxillary sinusitis and therefore cannot be granted service connection.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there is no showing of a chronic condition during service or within the initial post-service year.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for tinea pedis and nail was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to September 18, 2003; a rating in excess of 30 percent from September 18, 2003 to June 18, 2004; or a compensable rating thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's IBS and dermatitis of the neck were granted initial compensable ratings, while his claims for knee DJD, left ankle sprain, muscle pain, and insomnia are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome and residuals of cold injuries to bilateral lower extremities, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for dermatitis of the lower legs and ankles, were all denied by the RO. The Veteran's skin condition affecting the lower legs and ankles was found to affect less than 5 percent of his body and did not require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disorder (chloracne) and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any heart condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne due to exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam era, as the Veteran's in-service skin rash is related to his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, fibromyalgia, and chronic dermatitis. The claim of reopening a previously denied hypertension was also denied. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, right foot neuropathy, left foot neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy were not granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including providing VCAA notice as required by Kent v. Nicholson.

The Veteran's tinea pedis was not manifested by eczema with constant exudation or itching, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement. Since February 10, 1999, the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his claims, nor did he meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye condition, hearing loss, epididymitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae of the face as there is no current evidence of these conditions. The Veteran was granted service connection for hydradenitis suppurativa in December 2004.