The Veteran's initial rating for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is denied as the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating have not been met. The TBI symptoms overlap with those of his co-morbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and he currently receives a 70 percent rating for PTSD based on overlapping symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's TBI symptoms are attributable to both the TBI and his co-morbid PTSD, making it difficult to separate their contributions. The overlap in symptoms results in a combined evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD, which is more favorable than retaining separate ratings for each condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20076533
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 20076533.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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