Boston University study links CTE pathology to NFL settlement testing limitations

A Boston University study released Wednesday found that former NFL players with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) often received the lowest impairment rating during baseline assessment testing required by the 2014 NFL Concussion Settlement. Researchers analyzed 33 former players diagnosed with CTE posthumously who had completed the settlement’s clinical requirements during their lifetimes. Among seven participants with advanced Stage 3 or 4 CTE, six showed measurable cognitive impairment in their medical records, yet all seven were assigned Level 0, the lowest rating, on the settlement's assessment scale. The findings suggest the settlement's diagnostic criteria may fail to identify cognitive issues that are clinically observable in patients with confirmed CTE. As of August 31, 2026, the NFL has paid out $1.7 billion in compensation under the class-action agreement.

• 3:08 PMYahoo Sports — NFL players with advanced CTE got lowest impairment rating in league testing