The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The skull fracture was rated as 10% from August 21, 2014 and the maxilla fracture did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show loss of both inner and outer tables in the case of the skull fracture or any bone loss that would warrant a higher than 10% rating from August 21, 2014. The maxilla fracture was rated as 0% under Diagnostic Code 9900.
- Claimed conditions
- Defective vision, Skull fracture (frontal skull and orbital), Fracture of the maxilla
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 15, 2016
- Citation
- 1628415
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1628415.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's defective vision, diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, is not related to his service or any service-connected conditions. Therefore, service connection for defective vision is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's SMC at the housebound rate should be restored due to a lack of proper coding in his previous rating decision. However, the claim is being remanded for further development as it also involves defective vision and whether the Veteran is substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for defective vision has been reopened, and service connection is granted.,Service connection is granted for a depressive disorder secondary to diabetes mellitus, and nephropathy proximately due to diabetes mellitus. Service connection for a dental disability for compensation purposes is denied.,Issues related to sleep apnea, bilateral eye disabilities, and TDIU are remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's defective vision, secondary to a fracture of the frontal skull and bilateral orbit, is currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to October 2, 2005 and 30 percent thereafter. The Board has granted an increased rating to 40 percent for the period prior to October 2, 2005 and 50 percent thereafter.
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