Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and a vision disability, finding that there is no current diagnosis of TBI or evidence linking his current vision problems to service. The decision also notes that the Veteran's statements regarding these conditions are not competent evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including migraine headaches and major depressive disorder, have been granted a higher rating of 50 percent. Service connection for the acquired psychiatric condition has also been established as secondary to his service-connected TBI.

The Board found that the Veteran did not sustain a TBI event during service and does not have current residuals of a TBI. The migraine headache disorder was not incurred in, or related to, active duty for training (ACDUTRA) service. The Veteran also does not have a current disability manifested by symptoms of nosebleeds.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, indicating that he no longer wishes to pursue the claims due to recent service connection and rating decisions for other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant, effective July 12, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The TBI evaluation has also been denied as there are no residuals of TBI that meet the criteria for a separate compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a TBI and/or residuals thereof, right ankle disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and esophageal disorder have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current stomach disability or TBI related to service and therefore denied her claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, including migraines and defective vision. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to his military service.

The appellant has withdrawn all issues on appeal. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI and diplopia/double vision, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a TBI related to his active service and therefore, service connection for residuals of a TBI is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of PTSD, a chronic disability manifested by chest pain and heart pain, and frostbite of the hands. The remaining claims are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, neck disability, and TBI with headaches as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The VA examiners found that these conditions were not caused or aggravated by the service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and skin disability were denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during or due to her military service. The Veteran's current symptoms are not related to her active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, and allergic rhinitis. The disability ratings remain at their current levels.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches, TBI, and cognitive disorder NOS. The claim was reopened due to new evidence showing current disability and a link between the disabilities and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand numbness, TBI, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for Morton's neuroma of the right foot. The issues were not resolved due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, nasal fracture with nasal deformity and nasal valve collapse, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.