Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and a review of his service-connected disabilities, particularly his TBI and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a TBI and increases in the ratings for PTSD were denied. The Board found that there was no current disability associated with service connection for TBI, and the PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's residuals of TBI, including neurocognitive disorder, are granted as service connected. The rating for headaches is remanded and the TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled DRO hearing.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected TBI, lumbar spine problems, and bilateral knee issues has been granted special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI and entitlement to SMC for aid and attendance due to the need for regular assistance. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if he has any residual conditions related to his in-service traumatic brain injury, and another opinion on whether he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, as there may be pertinent treatment records in existence that have not yet been associated with the claims file. The appellant's service records need to be verified, and all outstanding medical records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and right biceps strain with scar are granted. Service connection for a low back disorder and residuals of TBI are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for ingrown toenail, folliculitis, carbuncle, residuals of TBI, gingivitis, and periodontitis due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection has been granted. The decision also includes a finding of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a traumatic brain injury are rated at 40 percent, and his service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent. The decision grants the increased ratings for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI and its residuals are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, tremors of the left and right hands, and blurred vision. The decision is based on direct evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a TBI examination by an appropriate specialist.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the service connection for TBI.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings on several service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's TBI and diplopia were granted ratings, with the effective date for the increased rating of TBI being December 26, 2012. The Veteran was also granted a total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's head scar, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition and that the reduction was improper.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.,A new VA examination is required for the left knee condition due to inadequate previous examinations, as per Correia v. McDonald (2016).,The Veteran's PTSD and TBI are rated at 50%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for traumatic brain injury, cataracts, dental disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, hearing loss, right leg/thigh disability, left leg disability, left hip disability, left knee disability, and removal of the right ovary have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal to reopen her claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) was granted with an effective date of July 25, 2008. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date according to VA regulations is the date VA received a claim that could reasonably be construed as seeking benefits, which in this case is July 25, 2008.