Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for psoriasis, tinea pedis, and tinea cruris. The veteran's claims were previously denied in September 1980 due to lack of evidence linking his current skin disorders to service.

The RO denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, as they determined he was not unemployable.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including hidradenitis suppurativa and mixed comedonal and inflammatory acne, as these conditions are not among those presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. The Board also found no direct evidence linking the current skin disorders to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired skin disorder, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not show any link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psoriasis and PTSD are service-connected, with the conditions being found to be directly related to his active duty service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and retropatellar pain syndrome were denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability or a rating in excess of 10 percent for skin condition and knee disability.,The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis were also denied as there was no additional functional loss due to pain or other pathology.

The Board has granted service connection for venous insufficiency and associated venous stasis dermatitis, finding that the veteran's current condition is causally related to his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and BCC are related to service. However, BCC is not presumed due to Agent Orange exposure as it is not one of the diseases covered by the presumption. Service connection for chloracne is denied as there is no evidence linking it to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current atopic dermatitis/nummular eczema arose during military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations was denied as he does not meet the regulatory criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 10% evaluation for tinea versicolor, which affects an extensive area and is productive of some itching.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and a TDIU were denied as his conditions did not warrant higher ratings, and he was found to be capable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected tinea cruris, chin scar, and right forearm scar.

The Board granted service connection for chloracne due to exposure to Agent Orange in service, effective September 3, 1996. The veteran's claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted after the initial denial of his claim.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected acne and folliculitis of the back, as well as his postoperative residuals of bilateral 5th digit hammertoe surgery.