Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for higher ratings for frostbite of the right lower extremity, frostbite of the left lower extremity, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's polyneuropathy of the feet, which is believed to be due to frostbite sustained during his military service in Korea.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a cold injury (frostbite) of the feet. The veteran's current peripheral neuropathy, ulcers, and vascular disease are at least as likely as not related to his in-service cold injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed residuals of frostbite are not related to his service, and thus denied his claim.

The veteran's appeal for TDIU was dismissed due to his death.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and thus denies his claim for a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for chronic residuals of frostbite/cold injury and dermatological disease variously diagnosed, including scarring, tinea versicolor, folliculitis (claimed as fungus) and acne. The veteran's military service did not involve any foreign service, to include claimed service in Panama.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have residuals of frostbite of the feet and right hand, which were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's frostbite of the feet was incurred in service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder contributed to his development of fatal COPD, which was the cause of death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The veteran's residuals of frostbite of both feet, with onychomycosis and tinea pedis are rated at a 30 percent evaluation from August 30, 1982 to January 11, 1998.

The veteran's cervical spondylosis is service-connected, but his claims for other conditions are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for frostbite of the feet residuals but denied service connection for a perforated left tympanic membrane.

The Board found that the veteran did not have frostbite of the nose during service and there is no current disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 29, 2000, for a 70 percent disability rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is granted. However, the claim for an effective date prior to March 30, 2001, for TDIU benefits is denied.

The veteran's service connection claims for residuals of dental trauma, residuals of frostbite, and right eye disorder are all granted. The conditions were found to be directly related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of a need for regular aid and attendance is denied, as there is no credible or competent evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person. The veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance with special adaptive equipment is also denied due to lack of qualifying service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite injuries to his feet and an increased rating for left common peroneal nerve injury residuals, finding no evidence of current disability due to these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet and denied it on the merits, finding that new and material evidence was received but that the veteran's current foot disability is not related to his military service.