Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2025

The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and service connection for metatarsalgia (foot pain) (Morton's disease) (plantar fasciitis (also claimed as foot problems) was dismissed. The remaining claims were remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury, bilateral hand degenerative arthritis, a bilateral foot condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to allow for further development of evidence.

The Board remands the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with traumatic brain injury due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for acne and a 40 percent rating for TBI, but remanded the claims for higher ratings for knee strain with bone spur, left knee strain, and lumbosacral strain.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of traumatic brain injury to obtain additional evidence, including a thorough medical examination and personnel records.

The Board grants service connection for a traumatic brain injury, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) but remanded the claim for coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure.

The Board remands the claims for further development and examination to adequately assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with major depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury was denied.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for PTSD with TBI from March 12, 2020 to January 4, 2022 and denied an effective date earlier than January 5, 2022 for the 70 percent rating.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal as the higher-level review (HLR) request received in July 2021 was timely.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's reported symptoms and ensure an adequate medical opinion is provided.

The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and TBI residuals prior to December 30, 2021, but denied a higher rating beginning on that date.

The Board denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions but granted a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as new evidence showed that without such aid, the Veteran would require institutional care.

The appeal of the proposed reduction in the evaluation of posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder from 70 percent to 40 percent is dismissed due to administrative error.

The Board granted service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder, cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, scar on the Veteran's head, TBI and residuals, and memory loss associated with the TBI.

The Board granted an initial 100 percent rating for the service-connected psychiatric disorder, granted service connection for TBI as secondary to the psychiatric disorder, and granted special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. The claim for a total disability rating for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was dismissed.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for TBI with adjustment disorder and mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.