Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the following issues: TBI residuals, vertigo, essential tremors, and headaches. The AOJ failed to obtain private medical records from Dr. R. Kastner and other private primary care providers prior to the March 2025 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the VA decision denying enrollment in the PCAFC program was not based on a proper application of the law and regulations, specifically regarding the definition of 'supervision, protection, or instruction' under 38 C.F.R. § 71.15. The Board therefore remands the case for further action.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not eligible for PCAFC enrollment based on current evidence. The case is being remanded to obtain additional information about personal care needs and best interest determinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to concurrent election of review options.

The Veteran's initial rating for generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder with TBI is denied, and her headaches are granted a 50 percent rating. Service connection for hypertension is established.

The Veteran's initial claims for bilateral hearing loss and rhinitis were denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection was denied for traumatic brain injury, tuberculosis, umbilical hernia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder), and a right eye disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected TBI, finding that the most probative evidence showed no more than a level one (1) of impairment in each of the cognitive facets associated with TBI.

The Veteran's TBI and PTSD symptoms prior to March 21, 2022 did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 70 percent under DC 8045-9411. The Board denied his claim as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment or level 3 impairment in any facet of cognitive impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for frostbite in his right foot big toe, finding that it is directly related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's asthma and TBI claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sleep apnea, TBI, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, a skin condition, lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee patellar instability, and bilateral shin splints are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's TBI, as well as whether it is related to his military service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of TBI was reduced from 40% to zero percent, which the Board found improper and restored the original 40% rating. The Veteran also sought SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, but the Board denied this claim.

The Veteran's appeal to the Board was mistakenly docketed under the current docket number and will be dismissed due to a procedural defect.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated as noncompensable, and the Board denied a compensable rating.,Service connection for lower back condition, headaches, and traumatic brain injury was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent TBI residuals, including cavernous angioma residuals, a seizure disorder, and migraine, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions originated during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for continued enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is remanded due to insufficient explanation and evidence. The AOJ must provide a more detailed medical opinion regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services, supervision or protection, and instruction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of TBI is remanded due to the submission of new evidence, which warrants re-adjudication. The issue of TDIU is also inextricably intertwined and will be deferred until the TBI issue is resolved.

The Board has granted restoration of the Veteran's 100% disability rating for PTSD with TBI and his entitlement to Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) and Special Monthly Compensation at the housebound rate from April 1, 2023, to August 10, 2023.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of TBI or its residuals, and there is no recent diagnosis prior to his filing of the claim. Therefore, service connection for TBI is denied.