A deferred decision is not a denial; it is a procedural pause where the VA has granted service connection for your schizoaffective disorder and TBI but requires additional evidence, likely a clarifying medical opinion or exam, to properly rate the specific residuals like light sensitivity, aural pressure, and imbalance (which are often evaluated as sequelae of TBI under diagnostic codes 8045-8046). The VA must evaluate all symptoms claimed, whether as part of a primary condition or separately, per *Parker v. Brown*, and the deferral indicates the rater found the current exam insufficient to apply the correct Diagnostic Codes (DCs) and evaluate the appropriate criteria in 38 CFR § 4.130 for mental disorders (likely DC 9201 for schizoaffective) and § 4.124a for neurological conditions. Your actionable next steps are to: 1) Obtain and carefully review the C&P exam report via your VA Blue Button or FOIA request to identify any inadequacies or omissions, such as a failure to address all claimed symptoms or provide a clear nexus; 2) Proactively submit any private medical evidence that specifically links your sensory and balance symptoms to your service-connected TBI; and 3) Prepare for a possible second C&P exam by drafting a detailed statement describing the functional impact of each deferred symptom, referencing the criteria in 38 CFR § 4.130, to ensure the examiner addresses all deficiencies. If the subsequent exam remains inadequate, you may need to submit a supplemental statement pointing out the insufficiency, citing *DeLuca v. Brown*, which holds that exams must be adequate for rating purposes.
*This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.*
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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