Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective date were denied. The Veteran's cognitive impairment was rated at 30% prior to October 23, 2008, and at 40% thereafter.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a traumatic brain injury. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of all submitted evidence, including a May 2010 VA treatment record and letters from the Veteran's colleague and sister. The issues of service connection for vision disorder, PTSD, and TBI are to be reconsidered in light of this additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet was denied as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. Additionally, claims for service connection for bronchitis and sinusitis, a skin disorder (actinic keratosis), and right knee and back disorders secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2 are referred to the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of TBI, finding that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of TBI in service. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, remains pending and will be addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic residuals of a traumatic brain injury is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for frostbite of the feet and ankles was denied as there is no evidence of cold injury residuals. The claim for bilateral myofascial syndrome of the ankles remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on being permanently bedridden, needing regular aid and attendance, or housebound.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development of his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for further development due to incomplete records and need for clarification of the evidence regarding a TBI.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including traumatic brain injury, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, sleep disorder, bilateral elbow disability, hearing loss of the left ear, tinnitus, cold weather injuries of the upper and lower extremities, are not supported by the evidence. The Board has determined that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type I. Service connection for TBI is granted.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right hip disability, left shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, stomach disorder, and others. The decision also addressed the Veteran's employment status.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed conditions are not related to service and denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and to associate all relevant VA treatment records. The issues include increased ratings for PTSD and shell fragment wound, as well as service connection for TBI.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cold injury residuals of the feet are etiologically related to his severe cold exposure in active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a traumatic brain injury are proximately due to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service-connection claim for residuals of frostbite injury and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. However, additional development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated on the merits.