Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2000

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected skin disability, diagnosed as neurodermatitis, effective from March 1, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disorder and tinea pedis (left foot) were not well grounded. The claim for initial compensable evaluations for nasal polyps and soft tissue mass of the right hand was also denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or functional impairment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a member of the Board at the RO. The veteran must take no further action unless otherwise notified.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, specifically chloracne, as secondary to Agent Orange exposure due to lack of evidence demonstrating the condition was present within one year of separation and no current diagnosis.

The veteran's claim of service connection for a recurrent skin disorder was denied due to lack of evidence. The issue of service connection based on exposure to herbicides remains unresolved as the veteran has not been diagnosed with any presumptive diseases.

The veteran's eczematoid dermatitis is manifested by skin rashes involving an exposed surface and fairly extensive area, but there is no exudation or constant itching, extensive lesions or marked disfigurement. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent evaluation is not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of September 3, 1996 for service connection of chloracne. The decision stated that the earliest possible effective date is September 3, 1996 as it was the date the claim was received.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tinea pedis and tinea cruris, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected eczematoid dermatitis, which is more than the current 10 percent rating. The condition affects both hands and other areas of the body.

The veteran's service-connected right radius head fracture and skin disorder of the feet/toenails are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted based on current evidence.,The VA has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition is not supported by the medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claim and for an increased rating for acne rosacea, finding that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim or warrant a higher disability evaluation.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is denied as the treatment was not for a medical emergency beyond June 28, 1994.

The Board found that the veteran's dermatitis was first noted during service and is linked to his active duty, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinea pedis and assigned a 10 percent rating. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee and right knee are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for skin rash, nasal irritation, joint and bone pain, and respiratory disorder are not well grounded as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or undiagnosed illness.