The Board granted an effective date of July 6, 2020, for the 70 percent rating for TBI residuals and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's worsening TBI symptoms in 2020 made it factually ascertainable that he was unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 15, 2025
- Citation
- A25044083
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for TBI residuals, a separate 30 percent rating for a peripheral vestibular disorder associated with service-connected TBI, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from August 9, 2022.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for TBI and service connection for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, as well as remanded a claim for service connection for GERD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. §1114(t) for the residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to clarify the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and traumatic brain injury residuals.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.