Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected acne scarring with pitting is currently rated at 30 percent, and no higher. The condition covers a significant area of the face and neck, meeting criteria for two or three characteristics of disfigurement.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, chronic tinnitus, a chronic skin disorder (claimed as eczema and/or chloracne), peripheral neuropathy, and Type II diabetes mellitus were all denied. The evidence did not show any in-service or post-service connection to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. Service connection was denied for chloracne, exposure to Agent Orange, hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for reopening the previously denied eczematous dermatitis (previously evaluated as seborrhoid dermatitis) was granted. Service connection for this condition is also established.,An increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, forehead and cheeks, minimal, currently noncompensable, remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disorders have increased in severity, requiring near-constant systemic therapy of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs for control. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for the service-connected skin disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinea pedis, low back disability, facial skin disability, neck disability, and tinnitus. The decisions were based on a lack of evidence showing continuity of symptomatology or direct link to service.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for chloracne was increased to 30 percent effective April 20, 2009. The previous rating of 10 percent from December 13, 1989 through April 19, 2009 remains in effect.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor is rated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for jungle rot and onychomycosis, as well as an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD. The Board found that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea cruris was not rated compensably prior to August 30, 2002 and has not been rated in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for chloracne, which was previously denied due to lack of a diagnosis. The November 2003 treatment report from Dr. W.S.B. indicates that the Veteran may have chloracne related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's folliculitis and dermatitis are not related to his military service, including due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to her failure to attend a scheduled hearing. The issues listed on the title page are still pending.

The Veteran's skin disability, including his current basal cell carcinoma and other skin conditions, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to service, particularly exposure to herbicides. The VA will obtain private medical records from the Mountain Home VA Medical Center and Kingsport Dermatological Associates, as well as a VA examination.

The Veteran's skin rash, multiple joint pains, headaches, and respiratory disorder were not found to be directly related to his service. The conditions are attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective January 1, 1999. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from participating in any regular substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for an increased evaluation of chronic acne vulgaris prior to February 8, 2010, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter remains pending.

The Board has determined that service connection for varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities is not established, as there was no in-service diagnosis or treatment for these conditions, and they are not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.