Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The veteran's lumbosacral strain has not been manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or objective evidence of compensable adverse neurological symptomatology. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.,Since August 7, 2003, the veteran's tinea versicolor has not been manifested by involvement of over 20 to 40 percent of the entire body, or involvement of 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas, nor has systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs been required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during a twelve month period. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for tinea pedis, effective August 30, 2002. The veteran's condition is characterized by moccasin-type scale and maceration between his toes, along with callosities on the soles of his feet.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinea pedis with onychomycosis, bilateral hearing loss, genitourinary condition, cardiovascular disorder, residuals of pneumonia, and prostate condition are denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches and granted a 30% initial rating for tinea capitis effective November 4, 2004. No higher rating was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for asthma, sinusitis, chondromalacia of the left knee, chronic low back pain, and acne with keloidal papules on scalp, earlobes and face. The conditions were evaluated as directly related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a skin disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure and for a disability due to asbestos exposure, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's skin disorder, including history of squamous cell carcinoma, seborrhea dermatitis, and actinic keratoses, was not incurred or aggravated during active duty. The Board denied service connection for the skin disorder as it is not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, Barrett's esophagus to include diverticulitis, or psoriasis as a result of service. The Board also found that hypertension and congestive heart failure with coronary artery disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement for service connection for groin and abdominal folliculitis, thus denying the claim.

The veteran seeks service connection for chloracne, which he believes is related to exposure to herbicides during service. The VA has determined that the current record does not address the etiology of the claimed disability or contain a competent medical opinion on when the condition could first be diagnosed.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tinea versicolor was granted, while his claims for service connection for stomach pains and memory loss due to undiagnosed illnesses were denied.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his bilateral tinea pedis with onychomycosis is rated at 10 percent. Both ratings are granted.

The Board has determined that service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is not warranted due to lack of evidence linking his fatal conditions to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities rated higher than 20 percent and do not materially or substantially contribute to an overall impairment in gaining or retaining employment commensurate with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, she does not meet the criteria for eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as a compensable evaluation for tinea pedis (bilateral feet). The Board found that the veteran did not have these conditions during his periods of active duty or due to exposure to chemicals in the Persian Gulf. His preexisting condition was not aggravated by his last period of service.

The veteran's service-connected eczematous dermatosis of the wrists and hands was granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from February 2, 2001, to March 6, 2001, and from September 11, 2002, to April 4, 2003.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for disability claimed as chloracne, due to exposure to herbicides. The evidence does not support a finding of current chloracne and there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's past acne to chloracne.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected conditions, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.