Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran did not submit a timely notice of disagreement for his initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for service-connected hallux valgus, left foot and right foot. The claims to reopen for tinea versicolor and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were also denied as new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for acne, glaucoma, cataracts, ocular hypertension, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and hyperglycemia due to INH therapy during service. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or secondary to other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding no current diagnoses or medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's medical expenses for an EEG, minor eye surgery, and a sleep study were not authorized in advance by VA and therefore denied payment or reimbursement.

The veteran's extensive use of a pneumatic drill in service has contributed to his current bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with neurologic dysfunction in the right wrist. The Board finds that this disorder is at least as likely as not due to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis, finding that the evidence did not support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disability characterized as tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis is not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further action.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of atopic dermatitis, but the Board dismissed his claim as it was based on a previous denial that has been subsumed in a final decision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis and right hand disability, as well as his claim for higher SMC were all denied by the RO.

The Board denied increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including post-traumatic arthritis of the knees, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and a right ankle disability. The veteran was not granted any new evaluations or connections.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for dermatitis, right tibial stress injury, and right hip strain. The low back disorder and left leg disorder were not found to be related to service or any incident thereof.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for eczema and lichen simplex of the legs, as well as his attempts to reopen his claim for history of thrombophlebitis with varicosities, left leg. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of residuals of a right ankle sprain, right foot/heel condition, and acne with scars of the facial area have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection of TMJ dysfunction/disease, small vessel peripheral vascular disease (SVPVD), contact dermatitis, and bilateral heel disorder. The initial rating for obstructive sleep apnea was increased to 50 percent effective from April 21, 2005.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the veteran's currently diagnosed chloracne is due to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for chloracne is granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis C and a skin rash at his June 2008 Board hearing.

The veteran has withdrawn all of his claims, including those for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for the service-connected lumbosacral strain with levorotational scoliosis effective January 19, 2006. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for psoriasis was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to July 20, 2005, for the award of a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability. The veteran had been gainfully employed since at least November 1999 and his PTSD was productive of significant occupational impairment as reflected in his current 70% schedular evaluation.