Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, frostbite to the fingers of both hands, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and surgery to the toes are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the veteran's claimed conditions and denied all service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's frostbite residuals of the right foot warrant a rating of 20 percent, effective as of January 12, 1998.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet due to new and material evidence. The other issues remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet, finding no current diagnosis and noting that the veteran does not have residuals from his active duty in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development on issues of service connection for hernia, frostbite, pulmonary disease, penile discharge, and nervousness.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with notification requirements.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder of the face due to new and material evidence. The claims for residuals of frostbite of the face and degenerative joint disease of the right ankle are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of frostbite affecting both lower extremities, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to his exposure to cold weather during active duty. The claim for asbestosis and pneumonconiosis remains pending due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral frostbite of the feet.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for frostbite of the feet. The new evidence received is sufficient to establish a current disability and its relationship to active military service.

The Board has found that a timely substantive appeal was received with respect to the issues of service connection for frostbite of the hands and whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for frostbite of the feet.

The veteran's service-connected right and left great toe disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, with separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to lack of service medical records and for a VA examination.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the left lower extremity and right above-the-knee amputation, which was granted by the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for authorization of ongoing non-VA (fee basis) treatment, finding that massage therapy or reflexology is not reasonable and necessary medical treatment.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of the right lower extremity have resulted in a significant impairment, necessitating his use of a cane and wheelchair for ambulation. As such, he is eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance.

The veteran's current neurological changes affecting both feet, with tissue loss and chronic fungal infection, are considered residuals of frostbite injury incurred during service in Alaska.

The Board has dismissed the appeals concerning entitlement to service connection for a chronic skin disorder, residuals of frostbite of the feet, and the residuals of a left eye injury as these issues have been fully resolved. The issue of entitlement to service connection for the residuals of a left eye injury was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.