Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2013

The Board has granted the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability (PTSD and DDD with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, left thigh disorder, chest pain, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right foot disorder. However, service connection is granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's memory loss due to traumatic brain injury has been rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective throughout the appeal period. The claim for an earlier effective date for the headaches rating is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: one for PTSD with panic attacks prior to October 23, 2008 and another for PTSD with a cognitive disorder due to TBI since that date. The RO granted service connection but did not specify the rating criteria used.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his traumatic brain injury, back disability, and migraine headaches.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of cold injury residuals, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO to associate records from the South Texas Veteran's Health Care System for the period from June 23, 2006 through January 14, 2011 with the claims file.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from March to December 2012. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are added.

The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication due to issues related to service connection and effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case for development due to missing medical records and an incomplete examination report. The Veteran is seeking service connection for frostbite residuals of his upper and lower extremities, but there are concerns about the reliability of the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claim of competency is being remanded for further development due to conflicting evidence on his mental capacity. A new VA examination will be conducted to reassess whether he is competent to handle his financial affairs.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both hands and feet, face and ears, hepatitis C, and hypertension have been denied.,Service connection is not granted for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran is currently in receipt of the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent for residuals of frostbite injuries to both feet, which are manifested by pain, numbness, cold sensitivity, skin color changes, locally impaired sensation and nail abnormalities.,For the entire appellate period, the Veteran's service-connected left foot frostbite injury is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has found that the appellant has residuals of a head trauma, which is related to service. As such, the claim for service connection for residuals of a head trauma is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury, to include frostbite of the bilateral lower extremities, was denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and vision problems is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Dr. Longmire.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neurological conditions, including dizziness, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties, are related to his service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's skin disability claim for further development, including a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed skin disabilities. The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple skin conditions that he contends are related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have any currently diagnosed residuals of TBI incurred in active duty and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders and TBI.