The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a traumatic brain injury that began in service or is causally related to service. His service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows no direct link between the Veteran's current cognitive deficits and his military service, and he has other service-connected conditions which allow for some form of employment.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a traumatic brain injury, mild residuals of left lateral ankle sprain, right ankle fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1520567
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1520567.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of his military service records.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI residuals are related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle fracture and post-traumatic arthritis and arthroplasty, effective August 18, 2025. The Board found that the pre-existing condition was aggravated by active duty service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.