The Veteran's TBI and PTSD were both rated at the maximum allowable under current VA regulations, but he was granted a TDIU based solely on his PTSD and SMC at the housebound rate due to additional service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's TBI and PTSD did not meet criteria for higher ratings as they are already rated at their highest levels. However, given that his PTSD alone rendered him unemployable, he was granted a TDIU and SMC based on the combined effect of his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- mild traumatic brain injury, residual mild memory impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 14, 2018
- Citation
- 1829452
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1829452.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for mild traumatic brain injury, headaches, and fatigue.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for mild traumatic brain injury with cognitive and memory disorder residuals, secondary to his right knee condition, and a temporary total rating based on convalescence following the March 2012 fall are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to August 28, 2015.
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