{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/acne","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:29:10.761Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Acne","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":1627,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":17.3,"denied_pct":37.1,"remanded_pct":44.6,"granted_on_merits_pct":31.8,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":69,"granted_pct":10.1,"denied_pct":29,"remanded_pct":53.6},{"year":2018,"issues":131,"granted_pct":9.2,"denied_pct":33.6,"remanded_pct":52.7},{"year":2019,"issues":154,"granted_pct":16.9,"denied_pct":29.9,"remanded_pct":51.9},{"year":2020,"issues":196,"granted_pct":15.8,"denied_pct":37.8,"remanded_pct":45.4},{"year":2021,"issues":159,"granted_pct":18.2,"denied_pct":33.3,"remanded_pct":44.7},{"year":2022,"issues":181,"granted_pct":19.3,"denied_pct":24.9,"remanded_pct":54.7},{"year":2023,"issues":207,"granted_pct":22.7,"denied_pct":34.3,"remanded_pct":41.5},{"year":2024,"issues":216,"granted_pct":16.2,"denied_pct":40.7,"remanded_pct":40.7},{"year":2025,"issues":271,"granted_pct":18.1,"denied_pct":47.6,"remanded_pct":31.7},{"year":2026,"issues":102,"granted_pct":17.6,"denied_pct":48,"remanded_pct":32.4}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":64.4,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":225,"granted_pct_with":47,"granted_pct_without":28.6},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":1182,"granted_pct_with":29.5,"granted_pct_without":40.1},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":213,"granted_pct_with":52.8,"granted_pct_without":27.7},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":711,"granted_pct_with":29.4,"granted_pct_without":33.8},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":397,"granted_pct_with":41,"granted_pct_without":28.3},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":69,"granted_pct_with":47.1,"granted_pct_without":31.1},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":1323,"granted_pct_with":33.3,"granted_pct_without":23.4},{"evidence":"combat_service","decisions_with":86,"granted_pct_with":50,"granted_pct_without":30.8}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":35},{"reason":"criteria for service connection met","decisions":6},{"reason":"caused by the service-connected disability","decisions":6},{"reason":"criteria for 10 percent rating met","decisions":4},{"reason":"already at the maximum schedular rating","decisions":3},{"reason":"presumption of aggravation applies","decisions":3}],"denied":[{"reason":"no current diagnosis","decisions":69},{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":43},{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":27},{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":24},{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":22},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":21}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26040218","year":2026,"judge":"L. HOWELL","rationale":"PFB confirmed in service treatment records; No-shave profile documented; Credible and competent lay testimony regarding continuity of symptoms"},{"case_id":"26004834","year":2026,"judge":"THOMAS L. ENGLISH","rationale":"Probative evidence in relative equipoise regarding deep acne; Highest schedular rating granted"},{"case_id":"A26032772","year":2026,"judge":"RYAN T. KESSEL","rationale":"STRs show treatment and shaving profile; Inactive condition managed by growing facial hair; Condition would likely become active if shaving; Benefit of the doubt resolved in veteran's favor"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26040791","year":2026,"judge":"ARDIE A. BLAND","rationale":"Affected less than five percent of body; Did not require medication"},{"case_id":"A26038870","year":2026,"judge":"TANYA SMITH","rationale":"Constant or near-constant use of immunosuppressive drugs warrants 60% rating under DC 7806; Evidence did not meet criteria for higher rating; Maximum rating for dermatitis or eczema under DC 7806 is 60%"},{"case_id":"A26039142","year":2026,"judge":"PAUL SORISIO","rationale":"No new and relevant evidence submitted; No current diagnosis of acne established; No in-service event or injury linked to acne"}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}