Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2017

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a TBI examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and thus denied service connection for TBI.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and there is no evidence of an in-service TBI. Therefore, service connection for TBI cannot be established.

The Veteran's TBI has not resulted in memory loss or significant cognitive impairment, and his claims for service connection for a back disability and kidney disability have been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service personal trauma or stressor sufficient for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the inadequacy of prior VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for residuals of TBI, including a headache disorder. A new VA examination is required.

The Veteran is granted an increased rating of 100 percent for his service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) effective October 2, 2008.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of frostbite to his bilateral lower extremities and secondary peripheral neuropathy. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury, to include frostbite, has been denied as there is no current disability. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of any benefits.

The Veteran's TBI residuals with PTSD with depression resulted in a rating of 70 percent as of October 24, 2016. The Veteran was previously rated at 40 percent for his TBI prior to that date.

The Board found that the March 1988 administrative decision was not clear and unmistakable error, and that the injuries sustained by the Veteran during service in July 1986 were not the result of his own misconduct. The claims for service connection are granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of TBI or glaucoma, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a TBI and/or residuals thereof, to include a headache disorder, or left ankle or back disorders. The claims are denied.

The Board denied attorney fees for past-due benefits resulting from the December 2013 rating decision awarding service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury with Post Concussive Headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a concussion, traumatic brain injury, and residuals. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and cognitive dysfunction due to TBI is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 1, 2010. The evidence does not show that the severity of his disability warrants a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and residuals of a traumatic brain injury.