The Veteran's service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae has been rated at 10 percent since February 1, 2007. The RO increased the rating to 20 percent effective April 17, 2010 and to 40 percent effective August 1, 2011.,The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 20 percent since April 17, 2010. The RO increased the rating to 40 percent effective August 1, 2011.,The Veteran's service-connected chronic left knee strain has been rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was previously rated as noncompensable and increased to 10 percent effective February 1, 2007. The RO then increased the rating to 20 percent effective April 17, 2010 and to 40 percent effective August 1, 2011.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was previously rated as noncompensable and increased to 20 percent effective April 17, 2010. The RO then increased the rating to 40 percent effective August 1, 2011.,The Veteran's chronic left knee strain has been rated at 10 percent since February 1, 2007.
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Chronic Left Knee Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 10, 2012
- Citation
- 1230958
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1230958.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied because the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board has granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the condition affects less than 40 percent of the face and neck.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased rating of right little finger disability and service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to missing private treatment records.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.