The Board denied separate compensable ratings for various disabilities associated with service-connected cognitive residuals of TBI, including a hand and arm disability, neurogenic bowel disorder, syncope, seizure disorder, and back disability (other than lumbar disc degeneration).
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support the presence or association of these conditions with the Veteran's service-connected cognitive residuals of TBI.
- Claimed conditions
- Hand and arm disability (other than service-connected residuals of fractured right fifth finger with scar), Neurogenic bowel disorder, Syncope, Seizure disorder, Back disability (other than lumbar disc degeneration with intervertebral disc syndrome)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048202
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 20048202.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a seizure disorder rating of 20 percent is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition increased in severity within one year after separation from service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's seizure disorder is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as he has not had any seizures in over two years.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, and seizure disorder, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the Board has granted his TDIU application.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a potential error in decision-making. The AOJ is required to provide complete notice of the decision, address all relevant evidence including billing information, and re-adjudicate the claim under section 1725.
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