Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service hospitalization records and VA outpatient treatment records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for frostbite residuals of the hands and increased rating for left ankle disability are pending.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU due to conflicting evidence and new developments, including the Veteran's newly service-connected disabilities. The case is now pending further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI with headaches are rated at 10 percent effective July 11, 2014. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for the period prior to that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral eye injury, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a breathing condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran incurred left knee injuries during ACDUTRA and active duty, which are service-connected. However, there is no evidence of frostbite of bilateral feet in service or currently diagnosed.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as a result of head injuries sustained in service, and the Veteran's traumatic brain injury is presumed to be directly related to these head injuries. Service connection for traumatic brain injury was not established due to lack of evidence of chronic residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's TBI, finding that it is as likely as not due to injuries sustained during his period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as consideration of his claims for an increased rating for traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and alcohol abuse, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or TBI, and the Veteran's assertions were not supported by objective medical evidence. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The AOJ will also schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if he currently has any residuals of an in-service traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a comprehensive examination to evaluate the nature and severity of his TBI residuals. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The claims of service connection for PTSD and traumatic brain injury are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and for issuance of a statement of the case regarding his claims of service connection for sleep apnea, frostbite injury of the right toe, right shoulder injury, and heart murmur.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, TBI, low back disorder, and residuals of a right hand fracture have been granted. The claim for an eye disorder was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including seizures and migraines, are rated at 100% for seizures and 50% for migraines. The PTSD is rated at 50%. The rating for physical symptoms of TBI remains at 40%. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Meniere's disease, PTSD and depressive disorder, and TBI have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction are not related to service or his service-connected TBI. The claims for these conditions have been denied.