The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TBI service connection is denied as the earliest possible effective date is January 27, 1994.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for major depressive disorder service connection is dismissed because it was received within one year of separation from service and thus the earliest possible effective date is November 3, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for focal seizure with secondary generalization service connection is denied as the earliest possible effective date is October 26, 2022.
The deciding factor: The effective date of service connection for TBI was determined to be January 27, 1994 based on the Veteran's separation from service and receipt of his claim within one year of separation.,The Veteran filed a claim for major depressive disorder on November 3, 2020, which is considered the date entitlement arose. As this was received within one year of separation, the earliest effective date available is November 3, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for focal seizure with secondary generalization was granted in a rating decision dated October 26, 2022, making that date the earliest possible effective date.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Major Depressive Disorder, Focal Seizure with Secondary Generalization
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26020330
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 A26020330.
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: Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its residuals, including unsteady gait, somnolence, and cognitive dysfunction. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements about in-service head injuries and subsequent seizures.
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