The Board denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including headaches, due to insufficient evidence linking the current disability to in-service head injuries. However, it granted service connection for intermittent explosive disorder, claimed as related to in-service head injuries.,Service connection was established for intermittent explosive disorder based on medical opinions indicating that the condition is at least as likely as not caused by multiple brain injuries sustained during service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a diagnosis of TBI or its residuals, including headaches, related to in-service head injuries. The Veteran's reported symptoms were inconsistent with his denial of chronic headaches in service and post-service records.,Medical opinions provided by VA psychiatrists supported the claim that intermittent explosive disorder is at least as likely as not caused by multiple brain injuries sustained during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), to include headaches, Intermittent Explosive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23054970
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 23054970.
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).
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an initial 100 percent rating for major depressive disorder, severe with anxious distress and psychotic features and intermittent explosive disorder is granted effective January 28, 2013. The AOJ will consider the evidence of record at the time of the June 2021 rating decision in determining if additional service-connected disabilities warrant a higher initial rating.
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