Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board granted increased initial ratings for chondromalacia of both knees and psoriasis, but denied an increase in rating for rotator cuff tendinitis of the right shoulder.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for the service-connected seborrheic dermatitis, effective from when the claim was filed. The low back pain with degenerative disc disease remains at its current level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dyshydrotic eczema, elevated SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), and short-term memory loss. The veteran was also denied increased ratings for hypertension and torn right ACL.

The veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip, actinic keratosis, verruca vulgaris and eczematous dermatitis were not incurred during military service or presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange. The lung condition was granted in November 1988 but the current issue is whether he has a current disability related to his service-connected lung condition.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including migraine headaches, COPD, asthma, tussive syncope, fatigue, major depression and PTSD, joint soreness due to an undiagnosed illness, hepatitis C, diarrhea, dental disorders (loss of teeth), and hemorrhoids have been granted. The service connection is determined on the merits for these conditions.

The RO granted service connection for tinea versicolor effective from April 17, 1973. The veteran's initial claim was received in August 1971 and the denial of service connection occurred in November 1971.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for Hepatitis C and Neurodermatitis are also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chloracne, cardiovascular disability, bipolar disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and lower extremity disabilities, as they are not shown to be related to Agent Orange exposure or any other basis.

The veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his service-connected right and left leg varicose veins with stasis dermatitis and cellulitis.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for psoriasis was denied as the earliest date of receipt of a formal or informal claim is October 31, 1997.

The veteran's skin disorder, primarily manifested by scaly plaques and/or lesions about the neck, back, groin, buttocks, and chest, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board denied entitlement to a higher evaluation or a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis of the fingers of the left hand and residuals of a right inguinal hernia, post-operative. The claims remain final.

The Board has determined that the veteran's seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and major depressive disorder are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the service-connected atopic dermatitis, but denied an increased rating for varicose veins of the left lower extremity.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for housebound benefits due to his ability to leave his home and perform basic self-care activities.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for seborrheic dermatitis is being remanded to the RO due to new requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The RO must ensure all notification and development required by this law are completed, including obtaining clinical records from Dr. Finn and any VA outpatient care records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his duodenal ulcer and tinea pedis, finding that the evidence does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne due to herbicide exposure during active military service. The low back disorder claim is remanded as it was not well-grounded in the previous rating decision.

The Board found that the veteran's acne conglobata and hidradenitis suppurativa were incurred as a result of wartime service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service. The decision granted the veteran's claim for service connection.