Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a TBI, low back disability, and neck disability. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus based on CUE, as well as claims for service connection for a respiratory condition, TBI residuals, and a headache disorder. The Board has decided to remand these issues for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability due to PTSD or residuals of TBI attributable to active service.

The Veteran's PTSD, TBI, and headaches have been found to not warrant an increased rating or service connection. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder due to traumatic brain injury is rated at the maximum (100%) disability rating, effective December 8, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury residuals, posttraumatic stress disorder, patellofemoral syndrome (right knee), and lumbar strain were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have current residuals of a TBI.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals at his local regional office. The issues include rating adjustments and service connection claims.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 29, 2009 for the grant of service connection for residuals of TBI and tinnitus. The earliest evidence of a claim was received on that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI is a result of combat exposure to IED explosions during his service in Iraq, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his reported head injury, and thus service connection for residuals of a head injury is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and TBI have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet, but denied his claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any traumatic brain injury and psychiatric manifestations. A social survey will also be conducted to assess his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and rhinitis are considered to have contributed substantially and materially to his cause of death. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU prior to October 21, 2009 are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service connection claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and a TBI examination. His initial rating claim for a right little finger disability and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's TBI symptoms are fully contemplated in his separately assigned ratings for PTSD, headaches and tinnitus. The Veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for insomnia and a higher rating for traumatic brain injury remain unresolved.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of TBI residuals attributable to his active service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for frostbite residuals of the left and right upper extremities, finding that new evidence supports a reopening of the claim. The Veteran now has this condition recognized as incurred in service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder and lightheadedness.,Service connection for these conditions is based on the evidence showing that they were caused by or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder and lightheadedness.