The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 60 percent disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae with scar is granted. The Board finds that his condition had increased in severity prior to May 9, 2016 and thus grants the earlier effective date of July 22, 2015.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's skin condition covered other areas outside of his face and neck, supporting an earlier effective date for the increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae with Scar (formerly shaving profile), Bilateral Knee Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20025938
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 20025938.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date before May 15, 2015, for service connection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) due to insufficient evidence linking OSA to his bilateral knee condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new examinations are needed for the Veteran's right thumb disability, left leg lymphedema, and bilateral knee arthritis due to incomplete information in previous VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it could significantly impact these issues.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, bilateral hallux valgus, and insomnia are remanded due to the need for further development. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded as it involves issues of direct service connection and potential secondary service connection.
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