Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2006

The Board found no current diagnosis of residuals of frostbite to the hands and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of residuals of frostbite and peripheral nerve injuries have not met the criteria for increased ratings.

The Board has denied increased ratings for residuals of right and left foot frostbite, but the claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a right ring finger disability is remanded to the RO.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received after previous SSOCs.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the right and left feet, as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current residuals of frostbite to his hands and feet, and there is no evidence of a cold injury during service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of frostbite of the feet or facial scars as a result of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current kidney disorder and frostbite of the hands and feet are related to service, while nicotine dependence and resulting emphysema are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is still denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current disability to military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues of service connection for frostbite of the feet, increased rating for a lumbar spine fracture, and TDIU are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur or have any current disability involving frostbite of the feet, alopecia, numbness in fingertips, or arthritis of the back during service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability resulting from an injury or disease in service.,The veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite of the hands and residuals of a head injury were dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board found that service connection was not granted for a disorder of the pelvis, left arm disorder, sterility, or residuals of frostbite of the left leg as they were not shown to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral frostbite of the feet and a fatty liver, but denied service connection for bilateral tinnitus and an increased rating for sinusitis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and left knee disorder, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The claim for residuals of frostbite of the ears was granted.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and development of his employment information.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a visual disorder and granted an increased rating for his right hand disorders. The claims are now effective from January 1997.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite of the feet and neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no current residuals or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board remands the claim for an additional VA examination to determine if the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the feet is related to a cold injury during active service.