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

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected acne keloid formation is no more than moderately disfiguring, warranting a 30 percent disability rating under the new criteria effective August 30, 2002.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis substantially contributed to his death due to respiratory failure and congestive heart failure.

The veteran's nonservice-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disorder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding no current chronic disability related to these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his skin disabilities of the right leg, tinea pedis, and tinea corporis. The RO also denied a claim for a separate evaluation based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324.

The veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the effective date of March 16, 1998. The veteran was also awarded a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to March 27, 2000.

The veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and left ankle disorder have been granted service connection, while his arthritis claim is denied. The veteran receives a 10% evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for chronic dermatitis with an initial evaluation of 10 percent, effective August 10, 2002. The veteran is seeking a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's acne vulgaris is not more severe than the current 30 percent rating, as it was inactive and did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on ulceration or extensive exfoliation.

The veteran's liver disorder claim is denied as there is no diagnosed condition. The VA examiner found the veteran does not have a current liver disorder and noted that his elevated LFTs were likely due to medication use for gout. For atopic dermatitis, the veteran received a compensable evaluation based on symptoms of itching and exfoliation.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to be incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The other claims of service connection are also granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hemorrhoids, chills, exposure to leeches on the stomach and legs, shrapnel wounds to the arm and legs, malaria, head injury, skin cancer, and tinea pedis (jungle rot of the feet), were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for idiopathic nonspecific dermatitis with an effective date of November 23, 2001. The veteran is seeking a more favorable effective date.