Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disability, status post right knee meniscus tear, and residuals of a bone chip in the right hip. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, skin disorder (poison ivy dermatitis), dental trauma, respiratory disorders, and other conditions.

The veteran's skin rash and chronic cough are not considered to be manifestations of an undiagnosed illness, as they have been diagnosed clinically. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for acne. The veteran's skin disorders, including skin cancer, were found to have developed after his active service and are not related to any incident of service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's conditions have not significantly changed and that uniform ratings are appropriate. The current evaluations for his service-connected conditions remain unchanged.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, including acneiform rash and atopic dermatitis of the legs, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his skin disorder, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the extent of impairment due to dry and scaly lesions on the hands and feet.

The veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance was denied by the RO.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including total right knee replacement and chronic low back strain, are deemed to be so severe that they prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder, including chloracne, due to Agent Orange exposure. The VA will provide the veteran with an examination to determine if his current skin condition is related to his military service.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's acne disability, finding that it does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for acne conglobata and pension benefits were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for his acne conglobata, and determined that he was not permanently and totally disabled within the meaning of governing laws and regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae and did not address an earlier effective date. The RO granted service connection but assigned a 10% rating, effective July 5, 2000.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability was granted, and he is now assigned the maximum schedular evaluation. His claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal regarding severance of service connection for tinea versicolor and autoimmune hepatitis with cirrhosis, finding that the original decision was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The RO had severed these conditions from service connection based on a lack of evidence showing they were incurred during active duty training.