Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board finds the Veteran competent and credible in his assertions as to the nature of his skin disability of the face and head from active service forward, and the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has discoid lupus erythematosus that began during active service. Accordingly, the Board grants service connection for discoid lupus erythematosus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and tinea versicolor do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acne and hepatitis C were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptoms since separation.

The Veteran's eczema disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's psoriasis is currently rated at 60 percent, the highest schedular award possible. The Board finds that he does not meet criteria for a higher rating as his condition has been stable and does not warrant an increase in evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorder, specifically psoriasis, is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has a current diagnosis of psoriasis that was incurred during active duty. The Board finds service connection for the residuals of injuries to the head, face, ears, neck, and left arm is warranted based on direct evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae involved more than 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas, but did not require systemic therapy nor cause disfigurement. Therefore, an initial 60 percent disability rating was granted since October 18, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated, and the Board has determined that none of them warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the appellant's psoriasis was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for herpes, verruca vulgaris, shin splints, tinea vesicular, sinusitis, respiratory condition/rhinitis, seasonal rhinitis, bronchitis, headaches and venereal warts due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's skin disability, including tinea pedis and dyshidrosis of the hands and feet, is not service-connected as it was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service. The Board finds that the current skin disorder is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertensive vascular disease.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis has been rated as noncompensable since June 2006. The condition is currently inactive and does not involve exposed areas or require systemic therapy, thus warranting a noncompensable rating under the applicable diagnostic criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected pseudo folliculitis barbae did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to April 2, 2010. From that date onward, his condition was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin disability and headaches, including migraines, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection and rating for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for chronic dermatitis and degenerative changes of the left tarsal metatarsal joints was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for chronic dermatitis, effective September 21, 2006.

The RO denied service connection for chloracne in June 1997, finding no direct or presumptive link to the Veteran's military service. The claim was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues have been dismissed.