Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including for a VA examination to assess the severity of his right hip and traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury is rated at 70 percent, effective August 4, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for TBI and finds that new evidence received since the last denial supports a finding of current TBI. The Board also finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's in-service exposure and his current TBI.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of concussion (now claimed as TBI). The Veteran is found to have a history of a TBI in-service, which may be related to his current symptoms.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hearing request for a Travel Board or Video Conference hearing should be rescheduled due to his absence, and he is notified of the next available date, time, and location.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in September 1947, and the Board found that a new claim was filed on August 18, 2005. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set to August 18, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of TBI, with headaches, is service connected as a result of in-service head injuries.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic brain injury with post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic tension headaches have been denied as the evidence does not more nearly approximate the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation prior to September 14, 2012.

The Veteran was granted service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury with a disability rating of 10 percent. The RO found that the initial decision granting this service connection and rating was clearly erroneous, leading to an adjustment in the rating to 70 percent effective January 26, 2011. The Veteran's application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was filed within two years of the corrected decision.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury sustained during active duty in Kosovo.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have Traumatic Brain Injury and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI, bipolar disorder with panic attacks, and tinnitus are all related to his service-connected TBI. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI residuals, seizure disorder, liver disability, bladder disability, kidney disability, pulmonary/respiratory disability, and stomach disability (GERD) due to Korean Hemorrhagic Fever. The evidence did not support a finding of these conditions or their etiology.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI and acquired psychiatric disabilities, as the current evidence does not provide an accurate history of his injuries.

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

The Board has determined that additional substantive development is necessary before further appellate consideration of the claim on appeal, including a search for missing service treatment records and an examination to address the Veteran's TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating, effective from September 26, 2009. His TBI has also been granted a 10% rating, effective from September 26, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA medical records and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions and denied service connection for traumatic brain injury, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional procedural and evidentiary development is needed, including obtaining medical records, service personnel records, and clarifying the Veteran's hearing preference.