The Veteran's PFB has not manifested as constant exudation or itching, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement and he has not been prescribed systemic therapy such as corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen or other immunosuppressive drugs for a total duration of six weeks or more. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for PFB.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's sinusitis has been manifested by no more than two non-incapacitating episodes, and no incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis. Neither three or more incapacitating episodes, nor more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting have been shown. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for chronic sinusitis.,Throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran's left ankle disability was manifested by no more than moderate limitation of motion; marked limitation of motion was not shown. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his left ankle disability.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not indicate that the Veteran's PFB affects at least 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas, nor does it show systemic therapy. As such, a rating in excess of 10 percent for PFB is not warranted under either the new or old rating criteria.,The medical evidence does not establish three or more incapacitating episodes or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment. Therefore, a higher rating for chronic sinusitis is not warranted.,The medical evidence shows no marked limitation of motion in the left ankle disability and only moderate limitation of motion was shown. As such, a higher rating for the left ankle disability is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), Chronic Sinusitis, Left Achilles Tendonitis (Left Ankle Disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2024
- Citation
- A24018491
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 A24018491.
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.
- 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 Board has determined that the VA medical exams provided are inadequate for rating purposes and remands the case to obtain an adequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Veteran is entitled to a higher disability rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis.
- 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.
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.