The Veteran's scar of the right thumb, PFB, and hypertension were all denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.,Specifically, the Veteran's scar does not exceed 144 square inches in area. His PFB affects less than 5% of his entire body and exposed areas without requiring systemic therapy. His hypertension has required continuous medication but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's scar met the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802, as it was less than 144 square inches in area and stable.,For PFB, the evidence showed no more than topical therapy required over the past year with at least one of the following: characteristic lesions involving less than 5% of the entire body or exposed areas affected. The Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7813.,For hypertension, the evidence showed diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more but not reaching the threshold required for a next higher 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.
- Claimed conditions
- Scar of the right thumb, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26027589
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 A26027589.
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 the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% rating for hypertension effective December 1, 2025 and denied a rating in excess of 10%. The reduction from 10% to noncompensable was not proper.
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.