The Board denied a compensable evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) as there is no objective evidence of PFB or any sequelae such as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation to the anterior neck or chin areas consistent with PFB. The Veteran's symptoms are attributable to nonservice-connected prurigo nodularis and eczema.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence outweighs the Veteran's lay assertions regarding his skin symptoms, which are more likely attributable to nonservice-connected conditions (prurigo nodularis and eczema).
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, Prurigo Nodularis, Eczema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2017
- Citation
- 1738152
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 1738152.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected conditions have been denied as the necessary VA examinations were missed without good cause.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to a failure to fully develop the scope of his service-connected disabilities and apply the correct criteria for skin conditions.
- 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.
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