Citation Nr: 20023907 Decision Date: 04/07/20 Archive Date: 04/07/20 DOCKET NO. 14-36 999 DATE: April 7, 2020 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran’s pseudofolliculitis barbae had its onset during active service. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae are met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty from January 1973 to March 1974. This matter is before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a November 2013 rating decision. The Veteran testified before the undersigned during an April 2017 hearing. This matter was previously before the Board in January 2019 and June 2019, when it was remanded for additional development. The Board notes the Veteran also has an appeal before the Board for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). However, as the Veteran has requested a Board hearing on this matter which has not been held, it is not ripe for appellate review at this time and will not be addressed. The Board concludes that the Veteran has a current PFB disability that is related to his documented skin condition that began during active service. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107(b); Holton v. Shinseki, 557 F.3d 1363, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2009); 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a). A November 2019 VA examination confirmed the Veteran’s current diagnosis of PFB, noting onset in service in 1973 based on multiple shaving profiles in the Veteran’s service treatment records from November 1973 to January 1974. The April 2019 VA opinion on this matter was negative, but it is inadequate based on contradictory statements and failure to fully address the Veteran’s medical history. It is therefore not entitled to probative weight. Accordingly, after resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is warranted. 38 U.S.C. § 5107; 38 C.F.R. § 3.102. M. HYLAND Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board D. Pitman, Associate Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.