Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records, as well as to ensure all due process requirements are met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder or residuals of frostbite related to his active service. The claim for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the right wrist disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The right knee and hip disorders did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran experienced a TBI during service and has residuals of it, granting service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability and residuals of traumatic brain injury are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear at his scheduled Travel Board hearing. The claim will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, arterial gas embolism, and neurodegenerative disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran engaged in combat and was injured during an in-service rocket attack, leading to residuals of a TBI including headaches, seizures, and cognitive impairment. The evidence is equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TBI has resulted in total occupational impairment, and a 100 percent rating is granted for the entire time on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residual scars from inguinal hernia repair, other than scars related to in-service hernia repair.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI and a seizure disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date than April 6, 2010, for the award of a higher 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address whether the Veteran's blindness is secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury with headaches and generalized anxiety with dementia.

The Veteran claims service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained during his military service. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI residuals warrant a 70 percent rating, and his painful scars of the abdomen and buttocks each warrant a separate 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's TBI is rated at a 40% level, effective August 29, 2009. The rating reflects mild impairment in memory resulting in mild functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, right foot puncture wound, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Service connection is denied for a left foot disorder.