The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of acne with hyperpigmentation was remanded. The case has been returned to the Board after further development, but the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent on or after February 25, 2013 have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria as there is no evidence of characteristic lesions involving at least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body or exposed areas affected, or systemic therapy including corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Acne with hyperpigmentation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20080449
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 an initial compensable evaluation for acne with hyperpigmentation prior to February 25, 2013, as the evidence did not show that the Veteran's skin disability affected at least 5 percent of his total body or exposed areas during this period.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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