The Veteran's initial rating for PFB is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,For Folliculitis and Furunculosis, an initial rating higher than 10 percent prior to August 2, 2016, or higher than 30 percent thereafter, is denied. A separate 20 percent rating effective October 20, 2023, for right shoulder limited motion and left shoulder limited motion is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's PFB affected more than 5 percent but less than 20 percent of his entire body or exposed areas at any time. The current initial rating of 10 percent is appropriate.,For Folliculitis and Furunculosis, the evidence shows intermittent systemic therapy including oral antibiotics for six weeks or more during a 12-month period prior to August 2, 2016, but not constantly. Starting from August 2, 2016, there was no systemic therapy that met the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), Folliculitis and Furunculosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 29, 2024
- Citation
- 24010060
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 24010060.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal to revise the effective date for a 50% disability rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is dismissed because the July 2024 proposed rating decision was not an appealable determination.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for PFB is denied as the condition did not manifest through scarring or disfigurement during the appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome and vertigo are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The PFB claim is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Granted
Service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is granted. The appeal of a deferral of service connection for PFB is dismissed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.