Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was initially rated as 20 percent disabling prior to December 2, 2009, and increased to 40 percent disabling thereafter.,For the cervical spine disability, the Veteran has been granted a 20 percent rating since March 8, 2000.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of TBI do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his cognitive impairment is characterized by impairment of less than 2 for all facets.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia, is service-connected. The claims for polysubstance abuse, traumatic brain injury residuals, low back disorder, and bronchitis are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for residuals of right and left foot frostbite, finding that there were no residuals other than reported pain, cold sensitivity, and numbness in both feet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of increased disability evaluation for PTSD and service connection for TBI are still pending.

The Veteran's TBI residuals have been rated as 10 percent prior to September 26, 2011 and as 40 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. The left flank scar is rated at 10 percent due to painful symptoms.

The Board found no evidence of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during service and determined that the Veteran's current symptoms, including headaches, are not related to any in-service injuries. Therefore, service connection for TBI is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee strain is as likely as not attributable to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of traumatic brain injury remains pending due to conflicting evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right eye and remanded the issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for service-connected migraine and tension headaches due to traumatic brain injury.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected traumatic brain injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a TBI, cervical spine or thoracolumbar spine disability and therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining service records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, GERD, and TBI were denied. Service connection was granted for cervical spine disability with a 10% rating effective July 16, 2009, and lumbar spine disability with a 10% rating prior to November 28, 2011, and a 20% rating thereafter.

The Veteran's service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in an increased rating, but noted that this issue is inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim and must be remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported in-service stressor and head injury were not verified, and there was no evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to service.,The Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD and TBI residuals are denied as there is insufficient evidence to support their connection to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and development of records, including VA medical records. The Veteran's TBI residuals need to be evaluated, along with any psychiatric disability as a facet of TBI.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including blurred vision, night sweats, traumatic brain injury, sleep apnea, psychiatric disability (PTSD, major depression and anxiety), residuals of frostbite of the ears, and low back disorder. The decision is based on a finding that there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Recurring Ingrown Toenail, Left Foot based on the Veteran's credible statements about events in service and medical opinions linking these conditions to his military service.