Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2004

The veteran's service-connected frostbite residuals are rated at 30 percent for both feet, effective January 12, 1998. The appeal is denied as the disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for cold residuals of the right and left feet, but denied higher initial ratings for the hands.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right elbow disorder and a bilateral foot disorder, including residuals of frostbite. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The veteran was granted a 20% disability rating for residuals of right foot frostbite with neuropathy.,Service connection for residuals of frostbite to hands, varicose veins, lumbosacral strain, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, fatigue and lack of sleep, post-operative residuals of left knee torn meniscus, depression, and hypertension were denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his low back disability and pes planus.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of cold injuries to the upper and lower extremities effective from June 28, 1999. The claim for service connection for frostbite of the face and ears was denied as new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to restore a 70% rating for his service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury, including dementia and mood disorder. The RO reduced the rating from 70% to 30%, effective February 1, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including arthritis and arteriosclerotic heart disease. The claims were denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or chronic disability within one year post-service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of frostbite residuals of the feet, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented.

The veteran seeks service connection for frostbite residuals and amputation of the left foot. The RO has requested additional medical records, including from a private physician who treated him in 1987, to support his claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher level of special monthly compensation at a rate greater than 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(l), to include loss of use of the arms and legs.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's current foot disorder to military service or any incident therein, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent rating for residuals of frostbite injury of the right foot. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left foot disability is also granted, with a current 30 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and development. The RO will obtain any relevant private treatment records, conduct VA examinations, and then readjudicate the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's frostbite, both feet, was not incurred in service and denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, service connection for various disorders, and exposure to environmental hazards are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, residuals of frostbite, or hypertension incurred in service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of frostbite and secondary service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD). The issue of entitlement to a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran was granted service connection for frostbite residuals of the hands and feet effective April 30, 2001.,Service connection for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux was granted effective October 18, 2000.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities are rated at 30 percent each, and the combined rating is 60 percent. The RO has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these service-connected disabilities.