Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and new issues were addressed. The RO granted an increased rating of 10 percent for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease effective from March 14, 2003, but the other claims remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for dermatitis of the dorsal surface of the hands and denied entitlement to service connection for sinusitis. The veteran's claim for dermatitis was not reopened, and there is no current evidence of sinusitis.

The Board found that the veteran's current onchyomycosis and tinea pedis of the feet were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as they are more likely related to his poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial increased disability rating for his service-connected acne, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypercholesterolemia, dermatitis, reactive airway disease, osteoarthritis (save for right shoulder osteoarthritis), and erythema of the eyes are denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's dishydrotic eczema of the legs, feet, and hands with secondary infection effective May 15, 2001. The veteran previously had service-connected residuals of heat rash of the legs with secondary infection.

The veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted.,His cervical strain and hemorrhoids issues remain in appellate status with the issue of a higher rating for cervical strain being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a skin condition, lymphatic filariasis, gastrointestinal disorder, numbness of the legs and arms, left knee disability, migraine headaches, and low back disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected chloracne.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 24, 1997 for service connection and compensation for facial scars. The veteran's claim for a higher rating for acne vulgaris remains pending.

The VA has granted a 10 percent rating for acne vulgaris, the lowest possible rating given the veteran's condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, a skin disorder claimed as chloracne, and a heart disorder due to procedural reasons. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for impotence remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of new rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder acromioclavicular joint injury and skin disabilities, including urticaria, perivascular dermatitis, and tinea versicolor, were incurred in peacetime service. The claims are granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inaudibility of his Travel Board hearing recording, and he has requested another hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the new hearing.