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 assigned
- 70%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1829452.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for mild traumatic brain injury, headaches, and fatigue.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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