The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent evaluation for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities is denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support finding that his low back disability began during active service or was otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. His alopecia areata and Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) were also evaluated, with no compensable ratings assigned due to lack of supporting medical evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was insufficient evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury or disease. The same held true for his alopecia areata and Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) due to lack of supporting medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities, Low back disability, Alopecia areata, Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), Acquired psychiatric disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20027579
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 20027579.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in a June 2021 rating decision is dismissed as moot due to the waiver of rights by R.V.C.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's request to readjudicate the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability with alcohol and drug abuse is granted. The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence sufficient to readjudicate the claim has been received, but further development is needed due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding verification of reported deaths in service.
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