Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and right hip injury are both granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of frostbite of the feet, to include peripheral neuropathy, was denied. The Veteran's PTSD rating was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and expired VA Form 21-4142. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and frostbite residuals are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's traumatic brain injury, manifested by migraine-type headaches and memory loss, is etiologically due to service. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any chronic low back disorder.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable ratings for frostbite residuals were increased to 10 percent effective June 26, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete record, specifically missing VA treatment records prior to January 2001 and subsequent to October 27, 2009. The appellant's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disability or frostbite residuals of the hands and feet, and thus denied service connection for these conditions. The Veteran's statements during his hearing indicated he did not remember any specific injury to his left knee.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have residuals of a cold injury to his feet, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The Board also noted that any peripheral neuropathy is likely related to diabetes rather than cold exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence indicating a causal relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his active service, leading to denial of all claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral arm disorder, bilateral knee disorder, floaters in eyes, breathing trouble, ulcer, erectile dysfunction, headaches, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and PTSD. The Board found that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injuries of extremities and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing at the St. Petersburg, Florida RO due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively resulted in the permanent loss of use of at least one foot or one hand, warranting assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current hearing loss and frostbite residuals, as well as whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's skin cancer and bullous pemphigoid were not found to be related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange or DDT. Service connection for residuals of frostbite was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current residuals of frostbite or renal cancer, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's residuals of a July 2002 fight are denied due to willful misconduct.,The Veteran's TBI is granted as incurred in the line of duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a video hearing and the revocation of his current representative. The issues include reopening the claim for service connection for hearing loss, as well as claims for various other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals of the upper and lower extremities have been rated at 10 percent prior to July 15, 2008, and at 20 percent since then. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate.