Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2026

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as all reductions and severances of service connection were found to be proper due to fraud committed by the Veteran and his spouse.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a separate rating for TBI residuals, finding that his symptoms are already accounted for under other diagnostic codes and that combining the service-connected conditions is consistent with VA policy.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective January 16, 2026. The Board has remanded several issues for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of June 13, 2024 for his award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the date of receipt of his VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has denied service connection for frostbite residuals and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (including underlying service connection for hypothyroidism) and nonservice-connected pension.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, headaches, and TBI due to incomplete VA treatment records from 1971 forward. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied.,The Veteran's TBI is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum allowed under current regulations.

The Board denied service connection for a left eye disability and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The right little finger disability was also denied as there is no compensable rating assigned.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed left eye condition or TBI, and his right little finger disability remains at its current noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any residuals of TBI, as the AOJ failed to schedule one. The Veteran's service includes active military service from September 1982 to June 2006.

The Board has determined that the decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits is not supported by adequate medical evidence and requires further review. The Veteran's eligibility will be reassessed based on updated medical opinions addressing his need for personal care services, supervision or protection, and regular extensive instruction.

The Board has remanded the claims for traumatic brain injury, migraines, and narcolepsy due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC at a rate greater than (l) as there is no evidence that his rheumatoid arthritis or PTSD/TBI require regular aid and attendance on a daily basis, and he does not meet the criteria for higher levels of care.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to residuals of traumatic brain injury is granted, as the evidence shows he requires regular assistance with daily activities and would require institutional care without it.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than August 18, 2010 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder with TBI have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a formal or informal claim prior to this date.,For bilateral hearing loss, the Veteran's disability level is rated as noncompensable (Level II). For depressive disorder with TBI, the Veteran's disability rating remains at 50 percent.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new initial TBI examination conducted by a physiatrist, psychiatrist, neurosurgeon, or neurologist. The Veteran's claim is not about service connection but rather an effective date issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of aid and attendance, as he requires assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, medication management, and housekeeping/laundry due to his TBI, PTSD, OSA, headaches, lumbar spine disability, arthritis, and severe chronic back pain. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with substantial compliance regarding the TBI examination, and further development is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted, but the effective dates are determined based on new evidence received after initial decisions. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for congestive heart failure with cardiomyopathy and hypertensive heart disease and arteriosclerotic heart disease as of September 6, 2023.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left knee fracture residuals and traumatic brain injury residuals, finding that the additional disabilities were not caused by VA care or treatment.