The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, PFB, left thumb arthritis, and associated surgical scarring were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a neck disability. Service connection was not established for PFB or left thumb arthritis. Ratings for left thumb arthritis prior to September 12, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a neck disability. The Board found no medical evidence linking PFB or left thumb arthritis to service. The preponderance of the evidence was against these claims.
- Claimed conditions
- neck disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), left thumb arthritis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20041657
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20041657.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.,Service connection is denied for tinnitus.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a neck disability due to pre-decisional error in not obtaining a VA examination and medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to a lack of medical evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions. The VA will obtain an examination and provide an opinion on whether these disabilities are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension.
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