Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2007

The July 1986 Board decision found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not entirely undermine his capacity for substantially gainful employment, thus denying entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ear disorder, including hearing loss; residuals of gangrene of the legs; and residuals of bilateral trenchfoot and frostbite. The evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current foot issues are related to his service, specifically frostbite injuries sustained in Korea. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of the hands or feet related to service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of frostbite to the feet during service and no link between current foot problems and service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of frostbite or brain damage, and therefore cannot be granted service connection for these conditions. The claim for service connection for Reiter's syndrome is denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a left knee disability and granted service connection, assigning a 10% rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and frostbite residuals were denied as there was no current disability found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities of frostbite and hearing loss were not incurred in or aggravated by her active service.,There is no medical evidence showing current disability for either condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current peripheral vascular disease is related to his service.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the face and head was denied.,The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for residuals of cold injury to the upper and lower extremities was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained frostbite to his ears during service and currently experiences external ear tenderness as a result. Therefore, service connection for residuals of frostbite to the ears is granted.

The veteran seeks service connection for foot disabilities claimed to be residuals of trenchfoot and frostbite in service. The case is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current foot disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including frostbite residuals and hearing loss, do not render him unemployable due to their severity alone.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied. The RO also denied service connection for emphysema and frostbite, with the latter requiring further action.

The Board has granted service connection for frostbite residuals resulting in peripheral vascular disease and bilateral below-knee amputations. The appellant is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, as well as financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to missing service medical records and a need for further development regarding his units of assignment during active duty in Korea.

The Board has determined that the veteran's frostbite residuals of both feet warrant a 20 percent evaluation, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the right leg, finding that there is no current disability and no evidence linking it to his military service.