Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board has found that the veteran's claims for service connection are well-grounded and have granted them. The veteran is entitled to service connection for acne vulgaris, a right knee disorder, a left ankle disorder, tinnitus, and periodontal disease (for treatment purposes).

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the increased rating for cystic acne.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected chronic dermatitis (claimed as skin rash) is denied. The evidence does not show an active skin disorder at any time since July 16, 1996.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his contact dermatitis and hypertension, as well as a TDIU claim based on service-connected disabilities, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability ratings beyond the current levels.

The Board found no evidence of current tinea pedis and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's current arthritis of the hips, knees, right ankle, elbows and shoulders is due to service-connected shrapnel wounds. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, finding that his conditions did not meet the schedular requirements for a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chloracne, a presumptively service-connected condition, first became manifest within one year after his separation from active duty in Vietnam. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board denied increased ratings for tinea pedis and tinea cruris, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The appellant's skin conditions are currently rated at the lowest possible levels under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic dermatitis as a result of exposure to Agent Orange during service, finding no competent evidence linking the current condition to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and pseudofolliculitis were denied as there was no evidence of a stressor related to service or any chronic condition that can be linked to service.

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment compatible with his work experience and education, thus meeting the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic skin disorders, including psoriasis and groin rash, is not well-grounded.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizure disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and a status post fracture right middle finger, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined schedular rating is 60 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 9, 1996, for a 30 percent evaluation for acne with scars of the face, arms, back and hands.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis and increased ratings for residuals of an appendectomy, to include a scar, and fungus infection of the scalp, feet and hands. The veteran's psoriasis was not found to be related to service or his other conditions. His scars were rated as 10% disabling.

The Board has determined that the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is well grounded. The veteran's stressors during his Gulf War service are supported by evidence, and a VA examination will be arranged to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's stomach disorder and skin disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor were they otherwise etiologically related to his service.

The Board determined that the veteran's substantive appeal of the March 1994 rating decision was not timely filed, and thus did not have jurisdiction to review the merits of the claim. The claims for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, a skin disorder (including itching over the entire body), and alcohol abuse were reopened based on new and material evidence submitted by the veteran. However, the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and infertility remain denied as they are not supported by competent medical evidence showing a direct relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as his requests for increased evaluations. The claims were not reopened because no new and material evidence was presented. The veteran's PTSD claim remains at 30%.