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

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his duodenal ulcer and skin condition were denied. However, the claim for service connection for major depression was reopened due to new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected tinea cruris with a history of tinea versicolor, finding that the condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on ulceration or extensive exfoliation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that it was acute and transitory during service with no post-service residuals.

The veteran's non-service-connected disabilities (arthritis of both legs, umbilical hernia, and hypertrophic eczema) do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board denied an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, currently rated at 30 percent. The veteran's claim was based on the severity of his skin condition as manifested by pustules, cysts, inflammation, and ingrown hairs.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's tinea pedis, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the symptoms described.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, xerotic eczema and dyschromia, constipation, and a respiratory disorder. The appeals were based on new evidence that reopened previously denied claims.

The Board found that the veteran does not have chloracne or other acneform disease consistent with chloracne, did not have skin disability at discharge from service, and his Graves' disease was not manifest in service. The hypertension was first evident many years after service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, based on new evidence submitted since the previous denial in November 1994.

The Board has granted an increased disability evaluation of 50% for PTSD from January 18, 1994 to September 24, 2000 and a 100% disability rating for PTSD beginning on September 25, 2000.

The veteran's claimed right wrist disability and skin conditions were not found to be service-connected or due to undiagnosed illness in the Persian Gulf War. The Board denied these claims.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current back disability or skin condition to his active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for twisted ankles and legs, a pulled Achilles tendon, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and an initial compensable evaluation for the removal of his left great toenail. The claim for frostbite of the feet was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and therefore denied both his claim for service connection for the cause of death and his eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35. The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's heart disease to any incident or condition during active military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the evidence does not show constant itching, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement. The disability is currently rated at 10 percent.