Citation Nr: 21025832 Decision Date: 04/29/21 Archive Date: 04/29/21 DOCKET NO. 17-35 570 DATE: April 29, 2021 REMANDED Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is remanded. Service connection for a right shoulder disorder is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active duty service from December 1973 to May 1977, and from November 1978 to September 1999. In January 2020, the Veteran’s appeal was denied by the Board which was then vacated by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). This appeal has now been returned to the Board for compliance with the December 2020 Joint Motion for Remand (JMR). 1. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae As indicated in the JMR, the Veteran stated in the July 2017 Substantive Appeal that he had a full beard at the time of the January 2017 VA examination and therefore, the VA examiner could not have seen the ingrown hairs on his face. The Veteran’s claim was denied based on the lack of a diagnosis as determined in this examination. Accordingly, a new VA examination and etiological opinion is warranted to determine whether the Veteran has a current disability of pseudofolliculitis barbae. 2. Service connection for a right shoulder disorder According to a January 2015 VA treatment record, the VA Physician Assistant noted, “I explained to the [Veteran] that his physical exam on [his] shoulder is normal. I suggested to the [Veteran] that his right shoulder discomfort might be due to always walking with a cane in his right hand which increases his pressure on the right shoulder.” The October 2015 VA back examination noted the Veteran used a cane regularly for his back and knee disabilities. As indicated in the JMR, the Board acknowledges the Veteran’s statement that he experienced right shoulder pain since his military service. However, the Board finds that at this point in the appeal, additional development is warranted for an opinion regarding the secondary theory of entitlement as the Veteran is service-connected for a low back disability and disabilities of the bilateral knees. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature of any diagnosed skin disability, to include pseudofolliculitis barbae. The VA examiner is asked whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) any currently diagnosed skin disability, to include pseudofolliculitis barbae began during or was otherwise caused by the Veteran’s active service. Why or why not? In so doing the VA examiner should consider and address all relevant private and VA treatment records, as well as the Veteran’s lay statements regarding his symptomatology. Specifically, the VA examiner should address the Veteran’s statements that he had a full beard at the time of the January 2017 VA examination and therefore, the ingrown hairs were not visible. 2. Obtain an opinion to determine the etiology of his current right shoulder disability is secondary to, or aggravated by (made worse by), his service-connected disabilities, to include a low back disability and disabilities of the bilateral knees. If a physical examination is necessary to answer the Board’s questions, one should be scheduled. After reviewing the record, including the Veteran’s lay statements, the VA examiner should answer the following questions: a. Is it at least as likely as not that a right shoulder disability began in or was otherwise caused by the Veteran’s active military service? Why or why not? In so doing, the examiner should address the Veteran’s contention that he has experienced right shoulder problems since service. b. Is it at least as likely as not that a right shoulder disability is secondary to, or aggravated by (made worse by), his service-connected disabilities, to include low back and knee disabilities? Why or why not? MATTHEW W. BLACKWELDER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board H. Yoo, 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.