Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2000

The veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected status-post traumatic brain injury with residual memory loss, headaches and decreased motor skills, right side, is denied due to the need for a current VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, frostbite residuals of both feet, and peptic ulcer disease, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, as there is no medical evidence linking them to his in-service injuries or otherwise suggesting a connection.

The Board found that the veteran did not sustain a broken nose, frostbite of hands, ears, and feet, burns to face, arms, and chest, or cuts on his face and arms during service. The residuals of these conditions were also not shown in the medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for hypothermia and frostbite of both feet is granted, based on direct evidence from her service records.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, cirrhosis of the liver, and diabetes mellitus. The claim to reopen the frostbite of the feet was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected frostbite disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 30 percent for residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet. The traumatic arthritis of the hands and feet is rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a disability of the fingers and granted service connection for frostbite-related peripheral neuropathy in the toes. The other claims were either not addressed or are pending.

The veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of frostbite of the right lower extremity. The VA has requested additional medical examination and records to determine if any current disability of the right lower extremity is etiologically related to cold injury suffered during military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of frostbite of the hands is granted, as there is evidence to support a finding that he was exposed to cold temperatures during his military service and developed residual symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and an increased evaluation for residuals of a second degree burn with scarring of the left leg. The claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for frostbite of both feet was also denied.

The Board has determined that the claim of service connection for frostbite is not well grounded and requires further development to determine if the veteran served at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disorder, headaches, residuals of frostbite, neuropathy, and shoulder disorder are not well grounded. The evidence submitted since the final decisions does not provide a sufficient basis to reopen these claims.

The veteran's service connection claim for frostbite of the hands is granted. The claim for an increased evaluation for his right facial palsy remains denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite to the lower extremities and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, but denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee due to lack of evidence supporting a link between the condition and military service.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds it does not warrant a higher rating.,The veteran's residuals of gunshot wounds to the left wrist and fingers are rated as one disability (residuals of gunshot wound to the left wrist) with a single 50 percent rating effective October 8, 1992.

The Board denied service connection for cold injuries (frostbite) of the hands and lower legs, bilateral, and residuals of a low back injury due to lack of evidence of current disabilities or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite of his hands and feet, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of tinnitus remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of frostbite and degenerative arthritis of the knees, low back, shoulders, hands, and elbows due to a lack of competent medical evidence showing current disabilities.