The Veteran's laceration of the scalp, residuals of head injury, was restored to a prior rating of 10 percent effective July 11, 2013. A compensable increased rating for chronic paronychia of the fingers/fingernails was granted. The Veteran's TBI residuals including headaches were rated at 30 percent. The Veteran's PTSD with insomnia was denied an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no actual improvement in the Veteran’s disability level, thus restoration of the prior rating for laceration of the scalp, residuals of head injury, was granted. For chronic paronychia of the fingers/fingernails, the criteria under DC 7806 were applied as the predominant disability is the recurring infection and treatment, with no associated scarring.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration of the scalp, residuals of head injury, chronic paronychia of the fingers/fingernails, TBI residuals including headaches, PTSD with insomnia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18159972
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18159972.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for headaches as secondary to PTSD with insomnia, finding that the Veteran's statements describing his symptoms are credible and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of a 100 percent rating for PTSD with insomnia was dismissed due to a procedural defect.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for PTSD with insomnia and headaches as there was no evidence of a current disability at the time of the claim or during its pendency.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD with insomnia, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor and finding that his diagnosed condition is related to in-service stressors.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.