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

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the right ear hearing loss receiving a 10% rating and psoriasis receiving a 10% rating. The osteotomy residuals remain at 0%. No new evidence was presented to reopen any previously denied claims.

The veteran's atopic dermatitis was initially manifested during service and is granted as incurred in service. The increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease and disc disease, T11-T12, remains unchanged. Service connection for bronchitis is also granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected photoallergic dermatitis characterized as psoriatic or eczematous in nature is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for skin disability other than tinea pedis, finding no evidence of a current chronic skin disorder related to his military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for acne from August 27, 1999 and denied the claim for an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's residuals of acromioclavicular separation, right shoulder (minor), with traumatic arthritis. The claim for an increase in the evaluation for eczema of the left hand with postoperative warts is denied as there are no current symptoms or manifestations.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's skin disorder, left heel disability, and right heel disability. The veteran is currently evaluated under Diagnostic Codes (DC) 7806 and DC 5284 respectively.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death, entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, and entitlement to death pension benefits. The appellant was informed that she had not provided sufficient information regarding her appeal.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne due to lack of evidence during or within one year after service, and denied an increased rating for left elbow arthritis as the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the condition was related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected right ear hearing loss and psuedofolliculitis barbae, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chloracne, finding that no legal basis existed to assign a rating prior to September 16, 1996.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluations and consideration of his pes planus and folliculitis of the neck conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's current dermatological diagnoses did not have their onset during service and are not the result of a disease or injury he had in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure and on a direct basis, finding that his current skin condition is not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's skin disability, including chloracne and other skin conditions, to include as secondary to exposure to herbicides.