The Board denied a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating under VA's skin disability rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran’s PFB covered more than 20 to 40 percent of his entire body or exposed areas affected, nor did it require systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted under Diagnostic Code 7806.
- Claimed conditions
- pseudofolliculitis barbae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20074762
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 Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae as the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's claimed conditions are due to any incident of his period of active service.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, left foot swelling/pain, a left ankle condition, and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a compensable evaluation of service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae and for service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, migraines headaches, left foot bunions (hallux valgus), right foot bunions (hallux valgus), and tinnitus to ensure proper development.
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