Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's TBI residuals were not productive of any deficits in memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual spatial orientation, neurobehavioral effects, communication, or consciousness for the period prior to August 4, 2017. For the period from August 4, 2017, he had deficits in memory, attention, concentration, and executive functions but no other symptoms that interfered with work, activities of daily living, or relationships.,The Veteran's headaches have not been productive of prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with TBI has been productive of occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The other issues have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims.,The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims.,The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any current traumatic brain injury residuals, including headaches, memory impairment, poor sleep, head pain, and difficulty focusing.,The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and Reserve service treatment records for additional development.,The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disability of the feet, including whether it is related to his service-connected eczema.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted since December 20, 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran has been precluded from securing and following substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TBI is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has now granted a 70 percent rating based on additional evidence showing moderate impairment in memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective April 3, 2008.,A 40 percent rating for headaches/ traumatic brain injury was granted effective April 3, 2009.

The Veteran's TBI with headaches is rated at 10 percent, and his generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for TBI with headaches was granted, while the appeals for increased ratings for both conditions and for TDIU were denied.

The Board has determined that service connection for TBI residuals is warranted as the Veteran sustained a documented in-service left occipital region blunt trauma/concussion and was diagnosed with TBI residuals following separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and traumatic brain injury were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's disability ratings were reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent for lumbosacral paravertebral myositis, effective June 1, 2011. The reduction was found to be proper as there had been no actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining Social Security Administration disability benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations, as well as a request for SSA disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a statement from M.J.L., PA. The Veteran's claim for a specially adapted housing grant is being returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of December 27, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination to evaluate his service-connected traumatic brain injury and its residuals, including headaches.

The Veteran's TBI claim is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition.,Service connection for vision loss is not granted as it is not service-connected and does not have its onset in service. The claim for secondary service connection to TBI is also denied.,Prior to September 11, 2017, the Veteran's GERD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, type II; TBI; or a headache disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lower left extremity nerve entrapment, residuals of frostbite of the left foot has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 10, 2017.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury, and additional Social Security Administration (SSA) records are requested. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury with memory loss, sleep disturbances, and respiratory conditions.