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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for PTSD and dyshydrotic eczema with blistering of hands and feet.,PTSD was granted, effective from December 28, 1995.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin conditions (herpes simplex and pseudofolliculitis barbae) do not warrant an initial compensable evaluation, and his lumbosacral strain does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for an extension of his vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, are severe enough to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected tinea cruris, which clearly interferes with his normal employability. The veteran does not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under 38 C.F.R. � 3.324 due to having multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected dermatological disability, manifested by tinea pedis and onychomycosis of the feet and hands, is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and his death was due to depression caused by primary alcohol abuse disorder. The service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking the veteran's manic-depressive/bipolar disorder to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined evaluation of 40 percent did not meet the percentage requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The VA has determined that the veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation, as it does not manifest by exudation or constant itching, extensive lesions or marked disfigurement. The current 10 percent rating is deemed appropriate.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on his reported in-service stressors. His acne conglobata, currently rated at 30 percent, remains unchanged.

The Board finds that the veteran's skin disease, diagnosed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure in service, is service-connected. The nervous disorder with memory loss, right ulnar neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, impotence, and hypertension are not service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the arms and shoulders as secondary to a service-connected low back disability, but granted an increased rating of 10% for tinea versicolor.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for non-specific dermatitis was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal and indicated satisfaction with the current ratings.

The veteran's service-connected acne vulgaris aggravated by pseudofolliculitis barbae and perifolliculitis of scalp causing hair loss are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied the claims for increased evaluations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for acne, onychomycosis of the toenails and athlete's foot were granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for a skin disorder of the hands and legs was reopened based on new evidence. His bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are also addressed.