Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2018

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 9, 2008. The Board finds that the combined rating percentage requirements were met during certain periods and not met at other times.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury with cognitive disorder NOS has rendered him incapable of obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU for the entire appeal period.

Service connection for PTSD is denied.,The Veteran's left-hand ring finger disability does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected frostbite residuals and peripheral neuropathy of the feet need to be evaluated for actual loss of use, as there is insufficient information on their current severity. The claim will be remanded for further examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding higher disability evaluations for his service connected TBI and left knee disabilities, as well as his claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including fibromyalgia, TBI, headaches, IBS-GERD, chronic fatigue/hypersomnolence, and sleep impairment (claimed as sleep apnea).

Service connection is denied for fibromyalgia, TBI, and headaches.,Service connection is granted for IBS-GERD with a 30% rating. Service connection is denied for chronic fatigue/hypersomnolence and sleep impairment (claimed as sleep apnea).

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, but denied for cervical spine DJD, hypertension, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left arm disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder. The TBI, equilibrium disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease claims are also denied.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted a 30% rating from March 2, 2016 to May 19, 2017. From May 19, 2017, the maximum schedular evaluation of 50% has been assigned.,The Veteran's TBI was initially rated noncompensable and increased to 10% from May 19, 2017. The current rating is still considered insufficient for a higher evaluation.,Left ankle tendonitis remains at the initial 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to initial disability ratings for left ankle strain, traumatic brain injury residuals, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for TBI, acquired psychiatric disorder, and PTSD due to missing STRs and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and TBI are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral hearing loss, skin cancer, lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity neurological disability, head trauma residuals, vertigo, and vision disabilities. The effective date for PTSD service connection remains under review.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and analysis due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's TBI residuals, including recent MRI findings. The issues of a compensable rating for TBI and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, low back disability, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims are not currently substantiated as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of frostbitten feet. The claims for left and right knee disabilities secondary to residuals of frostbitten feet are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals seeking service connection for chest disorder, thyroid disorder, and earlier effective date for left upper extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied claim of residuals of a TBI has been granted.

The Veteran's mild impairment of memory resulting from a traumatic brain injury is granted, and he is not eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for frostbite residuals of the upper and lower extremities is being returned to VA for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, granted secondary service connection for dizziness and insomnia, and denied service connection for TBI. The effective date of the grant of service connection for prostate cancer was set at March 15, 2017.