The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, a psychiatric disorder (specifically PTSD), and sleep apnea due to potential service connection based on new evidence. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is not compensable as it does not affect at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy is required.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s pseudofolliculitis barbae does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the new VA regulations. The claims for service connection are remanded as there may be evidence of new and material information regarding his psychiatric disorder (specifically PTSD) and sleep apnea.
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, Other specified trauma- and stressor related disorder (PTSD), Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20021383
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 20021383.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected other specified insomnia disorder.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and heart disability, including coronary artery disease, as these conditions are found to be proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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