Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development of the evidence, including inadequate VA medical opinions and conflicting findings regarding in-service toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's PTSD, IIH with migraine residuals, and TBI residuals are granted as service-connected due to in-service injuries sustained during INACDUTRA.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, head injury residuals, and headaches. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of a TBI or residual head injury during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a TBI.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his tender right leg scar is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, TBI, and migraine headaches due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of TBI was denied. The effective date remains at May 12, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for GAD with MDD with TBI and headaches, including nausea. The Veteran's right foot surgical scar status post bunionectomy is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The claim for higher rate SMC(t) due to traumatic brain injury is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, thoracolumbar strain, bilateral knee disabilities, and obesity.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 24, 2020 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and a TDIU. The evidence shows that his PTSD symptoms have significantly impacted his ability to work since January 31, 2019.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches are now rated at the maximum 50 percent, effective April 11, 2023.,The Veteran's PTSD with TBI remains at a 70 percent rating. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of headaches and traumatic brain injury with photophobia. An effective date of January 9, 2020, but no earlier, is granted for a 70 percent rating for post-traumatic stress disorder with sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic use disorder, moderate to severe, alcohol use disorder, opioid dependence, in remission.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of headaches and traumatic brain injury with photophobia. An effective date of January 9, 2020, but no earlier, is granted for a 70 percent rating for post-traumatic stress disorder with sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic use disorder, moderate to severe, alcohol use disorder, opioid dependence, in remission.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to incomplete records, duty-to-assist errors, and potential exposure to toxic substances. Further development is required including obtaining private medical records, personnel records, and TERA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is granted an increased rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms caused a level of impairment required for a disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to clarify the effective date for the grant of service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The current record is unclear on this information, which is necessary to adjudicate the earlier effective date issue.

The Veteran's appeal to extend the time to file an appeal for the denial of service connection for TBI was denied, and the attempted appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily personal needs without assistance from others or unable to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living on a regular basis.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes and remanded the claims for traumatic brain injury, seizure disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, tuberculosis, and skin condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for insomnia disorder with traumatic brain injury was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher than 40 percent rating.