Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder in Remission, and Cannabis Use Disorder with Residuals of TBI was granted effective September 22, 2009. The Board found no evidence of a formal or informal claim prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors, including obtaining in-patient treatment records and medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right tibia condition, left tibia condition, and a compensable rating for traumatic brain injury. The evidence did not support the presence of these conditions during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD with anxious distress, and TBI, was granted effective October 19, 2021.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the aid and assistance/housebound rate for need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected residuals of TBI. The Veteran does not meet eligibility criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2). Without this aid, he would require hospitalization or other residential care.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is granted. The Board also notes that the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on residuals of his now service-connected TBI is remanded.

The Board has determined that the discontinuance of a separate 70% rating for service-connected cognitive disorder NOS; post-concussion syndrome; residuals of TBI was proper, and the appeal is denied. The reduction in the schedular rating from 50% to 30% for tension headaches was also deemed proper.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to the need of regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Mid and Lower Back Thoracolumbar Spine due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran is required to be notified of his right to a hearing before the AOJ.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with ADHD and TBI is granted a 70% rating effective April 1, 2024. Other claims for increased ratings or service connection are denied.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that an effective date of January 13, 1995 for service connection of left ear hearing loss is granted. The Veteran's claim for increased rating of eustachian tube dysfunction and TBI remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for TBI, bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, and a scar of the occipital head were denied effective prior to March 9, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was granted with an effective date of March 9, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for SMC(t) due to TBI residuals was granted in May 2025, effective June 27, 2023. The appeal is dismissed as the full benefit sought has already been granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, cocaine use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and TBI is dismissed as the March 2023 decision was not under the modernized review system (AMA).

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

The Veteran's right foot frostbite residuals are granted as service-connected, and the claim for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel disease, neuropathy of lower extremities, neuropathy of upper extremities, rhinitis, sinusitis, prostate cancer, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee condition (claimed as bilateral knee injuries), and traumatic brain injury is denied due to lack of evidence supporting the presence or relationship of these conditions to service.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for loss of use of a creative organ and sleep apnea related to an acquired psychiatric disability is also denied.