If you served in the military, you’re familiar with the strict grooming standards, including the requirement to maintain a clean-shaven appearance.
For some service members, these standards lead to the development of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), or razor bumps, a condition that causes chronic irritation, scarring, and discomfort.
This is where the military shaving profile and its relevance to your VA disability rating becomes important.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how a shaving profile might affect your disability claim and how to secure the compensation you deserve.
Pro Tip: There is no specific VA rating for a shaving profile itself. However, your shaving waiver will be an important piece of evidence in establishing your diagnosis, service connection, and the severity of your symptoms. VA ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) are generally assigned at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60%, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of skin affected.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB): Commonly known as razor bumps, is a condition often caused by shaving, leading to chronic irritation, scarring, and discomfort, particularly among service members required to maintain strict grooming standards.
- Shaving Profile and Your VA Disability Rating: While a shaving profile doesn’t have its own VA rating and doesn’t directly affect your VA disability rating, it can be valuable evidence in supporting your medical diagnosis and establishing a service connection when applying for VA disability benefits.
- VA Rating for PFB: The VA rates PFB under the General Rating Formula for the Skin, typically using Diagnostic Code (DC) 7806. Ratings can range from 0% to 60% with breaks at 10% and 30%, depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of the skin affected.
- Maximizing Your Claim: To ensure the best possible outcome for your VA disability claim, keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatments, and any impact on daily life. During your in-person C&P exam, clearly communicate the severity of your condition.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and the Shaving Waiver
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a condition where shaved hair grows back into the skin, causing inflammation, irritation, and painful bumps.
It is particularly common among individuals with curly or coarse hair, and while it might seem like a minor issue, for many veterans, it is much more than just a cosmetic concern.
PFB can cause severe discomfort, infections, and even permanent scarring, significantly impacting your quality of life.
Because of the significant impact of this condition, the military often issues a “shaving profile” or “shaving waiver” to affected service members.
This profile is a medical waiver that allows a service member to maintain a beard or avoid shaving altogether to prevent the worsening of their condition.
If PFB continues to affect your life after your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation.
How Does a Shaving Profile Impact My VA Disability Rating?
While a military shaving profile doesn’t directly affect your VA rating, it serves as crucial evidence that you experienced razor bumps during active duty service.
This documentation can be vital in supporting your medical diagnosis and establishing a service connection when applying for VA disability benefits.
For example, veterans with PFB may have been given a shaving profile to manage irritation by maintaining a certain facial hair length.
This can help substantiate your claim by showing that the condition was recognized and required special accommodation during your service.
The VA typically rates PFB under the General Rating Formula for the Skin, assessing the extent of the affected skin and the need for treatment.
The severity of your symptoms will determine the rating, with more severe symptoms generally leading to a higher disability rating.
How Does the VA Rate Razor Bumps With a Shaving Waiver?
The VA does not have a specific Diagnostic Code (DC) for razor bumps with a shaving waiver.
Instead, the VA usually rates pseudofolliculitis by analogy under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7806 (Dermatitis or Eczema) or another similar skin condition code.
Ratings can range from 0% to 60%, with breaks at 10% and 30%, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of the skin affected:
- 60% VA Rating: Lesions cover more than 40% of your entire body or more than 40% of exposed areas. You might also receive this rating if you require constant or near-constant systemic therapy, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs, over the past 12 months.
- 30% VA Rating: Lesions cover 20-40% of your body or 20-40% of exposed areas. You could also qualify for this rating if your condition requires systemic therapy for more than six weeks but not constantly over the past year.
- 10% VA Rating: Lesions cover 5-20% of your body or 5-20% of exposed areas, or if you need intermittent systemic therapy for less than six weeks over the past year.
- 0% VA Rating: Lesions cover less than 5% of your body or exposed areas, and your condition only requires topical treatment.
The key is to ensure that your medical records and C&P exam results accurately reflect the extent of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
Shaving Profile and VA Disability: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Shaving Profile?
A shaving profile, also known as a shaving waiver, is a medical exemption issued by the military that allows service members to maintain a beard or avoid shaving due to medical conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), commonly known as razor bumps. This profile is given to prevent the worsening of the condition, which can cause chronic irritation, infections, and scarring.
2. Does a Shaving Profile Directly Affect My VA Disability Rating?
No, a shaving profile does not directly impact your VA disability rating. However, it can serve as crucial evidence that you experienced pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) or a similar condition during your military service. This evidence can help establish a service connection for your condition, which is necessary to receive VA disability benefits.
3. How Does the VA Rate Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)?
The VA typically rates pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) by analogy under the General Rating Formula for the Skin, often using Diagnostic Code (DC) 7806, which covers dermatitis or eczema. The rating depends on the extent of the affected skin and the need for treatment, ranging from 0% to 60%. More severe cases, where a larger portion of the body or exposed areas are affected or where systemic therapy is required, may receive a higher rating.
4. What Are the Criteria for a 60% VA Rating for PFB?
To qualify for a 60% rating, you must have lesions covering more than 40% of your entire body or more than 40% of exposed areas like your face and neck. Alternatively, you may receive this rating if you require constant or near-constant systemic therapy, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs, over the past 12 months.
5. Can a Shaving Profile Help Prove My Service Connection for PFB?
Yes, a shaving profile can be valuable evidence in proving that you developed pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) during your military service. The profile shows that your condition was recognized and accommodated by the military, which can help establish the service connection required for VA disability benefits.
6. What Should I Expect During a VA C&P Exam for PFB?
During a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for PFB, the examiner will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination of the affected areas. They will assess the severity of your condition, the extent of skin involvement, and any treatments you’ve undergone. It’s essential to be honest and thorough in describing your symptoms to ensure an accurate evaluation.
7. What Happens if My PFB Condition Worsens After Service?
If your PFB condition worsens after service, you can file a claim for an increased VA disability rating. You will need to provide medical evidence that shows how your condition has deteriorated and how it impacts your daily life. A higher rating may be granted based on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of the affected areas.
8. Can I Receive Separate Ratings for Scarring Caused by PFB?
Yes, if your pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) has caused scarring on your face, neck, or other exposed areas, you may be eligible for an additional rating under a different diagnostic code, such as DC 7800 (scars or disfigurement of the head, face, or neck). The VA will assess the extent, visibility, and impact of the scarring to determine an appropriate rating.
9. How Can I Improve My Chances of Receiving a Higher Rating for PFB?
To improve your chances of receiving a higher rating for PFB, ensure that your medical records are comprehensive and up-to-date. Document any treatments, flare-ups, and how the condition impacts your daily activities. During your C&P exam, be clear about the severity of your symptoms and provide specific examples of how PFB affects your life.
10. What Should I Do if My Initial VA Rating for PFB Is Too Low?
If you believe your initial VA rating for PFB is too low, you can file an appeal. You may need to provide additional medical evidence, including a detailed account of your symptoms, treatment history, and any impact on your daily life. Consulting with a VA-accredited representative can also help strengthen your appeal.
11. How Does the VA Determine if My PFB Qualifies for a Rating?
The VA will evaluate your PFB based on the severity of your symptoms, the percentage of skin affected, and the type of treatment required. They will also consider whether the condition is disfiguring or causes significant pain or discomfort. A thorough medical examination and review of your service and medical records will be conducted to determine your rating.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
