Question regarding PFB (skin) disability

You should file a claim for an increased rating for your pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), as the aggravation due to your federal employment's grooming requirement is a compensable worsening of your service-connected condition under 38 CFR 3.306, which governs the aggravation of a pre-service disability. Since your condition was diagnosed in service and is already service-connected, the recurrence of symptoms constitutes a flare-up warranting re-evaluation; ratings for skin conditions are based on the severity of symptoms at the time of the examination, as outlined under 38 CFR 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7806 (including DC 7809 for scars). Specifically, you must demonstrate that the condition's current severity warrants a higher rating under the criteria in 38 CFR 4.118, which considers factors like the percentage of affected area, frequency of treatment, and systemic symptoms. The precedent in *DeLuca v. Brown* allows you to argue for a higher rating based on functional loss or impairment during these flare-ups, beyond just visible lesions. Your actionable next steps are: 1) File a claim for an increased rating using VA Form 21-526EZ, clearly stating the requirement of your federal job forced you to shave, causing aggravation; 2) Submit the new VA doctor's diagnosis and treatment records as evidence; 3) Obtain a detailed Nexus letter from your VA or private doctor linking the current severity directly to the service-connected condition and explaining how the occupational shaving requirement exacerbated it; and 4) Explicitly request a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination to document the current severity. Ensure you claim secondary conditions if applicable, such as scarring (DC 7800-7805) or mental health impacts from the painful condition.

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For guidance specific to your claim, consult a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent.