Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2016

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are granted, but his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.

The Board found no evidence of a TBI or current residuals thereof, and the Veteran's bilateral eye disorder was not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's report and the need for additional neuropsychological testing. The Veteran is also requested to provide more recent VA outpatient records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to the AOJ.,Effective dates prior to June 6, 2014, are not warranted for awards of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current frostbite residuals of the face, hands, or feet related to service. His skin disorders and peripheral neuropathy are not etiologically related to service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the submission of a CD containing medical records from Riverside Community Hospital, which was found to be blank. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected mood disorder and migraine conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing due to the appellant's failure to appear for previous hearings and his incarceration.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a traumatic brain injury, right cranial nerve VI palsy, and hypertension have been granted. The diagnoses are considered direct service connections based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's TBI and related headaches are found to be service-connected for purposes of accrued benefits, as the evidence shows these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The cause of death is also found to be service-connected due to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for consideration of new evidence, including recent VA examination reports. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive a higher rating for his service-connected traumatic brain injury and persistent depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a TBI was denied as there is no evidence that the condition was incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's tension headaches are found to be related to service, including head and facial injuries sustained during active duty. The Board grants direct service connection for the condition.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for the claimed right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, frostbite residuals of the left nipple, or frostbite residuals of the right nipple. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a vocational assessment regarding her ability to work due to her service-connected disabilities, as the current evidence is insufficient for a determination on whether she is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, frostbite residuals, PTSD, and tinnitus, prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining in-service mental health clinic records and unit history records. The Veteran's TBI diagnosis is unclear and requires clarification.