Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The TDIU claim will be deferred pending resolution of the frostbite claims.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of head injury or TBI, and his symptoms are better explained by migraines. Therefore, service connection for a head injury is denied.

The Board found no current diagnosis of TBI residuals separate and distinct from the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, thus denying service connection for TBI.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion assessing the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary before the claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the bilateral lower extremities can be decided. The Veteran's amputations are related to his diagnoses of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Further attempts to find missing service treatment records would be futile, but a VA examination is needed to determine if cold exposure during active duty service may have contributed to the current disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and arthritis of the back, knees, and fingers have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied all service connection claims, finding no current disability or causal link to service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to boxing in service. However, the VA has not provided an examination or opinion regarding this claim and thus it must be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches due to traumatic brain injury have been granted a 40% rating, effective August 13, 2007. The decision also found that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected and his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has not warranted an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and a low back disorder. Service connection was denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left upper arm/shoulder disorder, and dental disorder (for VA outpatient treatment purposes). The appeal is pending on the issue of service connection for TBI.

Throughout the initial rating period from January 3, 2007 to May 11, 2017, the service-connected TBI residuals were asymptomatic.

The Veteran's TBI has been evaluated at a 40 percent rating since the decision was made, reflecting significant cognitive impairment and other residual symptoms not otherwise classified.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected PTSD as it substantially contributed to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right thumb fracture and residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the evidence is at least equipoise in terms of establishing that the Veteran presently suffers from these disabilities.

The Veteran's upper extremity frostbite residuals have been rated as noncompensable, and the appeal is denied for ratings in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's lower extremity frostbite residuals have been rated as noncompensable, and the appeal is denied for ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation of his symptoms.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional treatment records and provide an opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed TBI. The appeal will be returned for further consideration.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an additional medical opinion regarding the Veteran's TBI and its residuals, as the previous opinions were inconsistent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. His diabetes mellitus type II is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, his tinnitus remains at a noncompensable rating, and he does not meet the criteria for compensable evaluations of bilateral SNHL or any other conditions.