The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for PFB and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under applicable criteria and that there was no evidence of in-service stressors or service connection based on fear of hostile military activity.
The deciding factor: The Board found the Veteran's PFB does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it affects less than 5% of his total body area and exposed areas, and systemic therapy is not required. For service connection, there was no evidence of in-service stressors or fear of hostile military activity.
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1735073
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 1735073.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Denied
The claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, memory loss/memory problems, chronic fatigue, sleep difficulties/sleep disturbances, and sleep apnea have been denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of testicular denervation and varicosectomy has been granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to service-connected TBI with PTSD is granted, effective September 6, 2018.
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