Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disability and heart disorder to the AOJ for further development.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection of a heart disorder is also remanded. The AOJ must issue an SOC regarding whether the January 1960 rating decision was based on CUE.,The Board has again remanded the matter related to the January 1960 rating decision that denied service connection for a brain concussion and heart disease on the basis of CUE.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and residuals of TBI due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims will be further developed with new examinations.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing only his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder to include degenerative joint disease and cervical radiculopathy, as well as residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his TBI, head wound with hole in left frontal cranium, and tension headaches associated with TBI are remanded due to new evidence showing worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to allow for further development.

The Board found no current disabilities of the bilateral shoulder, cervical spine, or right knee. The Veteran's reported traumatic brain injury and sleep apnea were not supported by evidence in service records or post-service treatment notes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold injury (claimed as frostbite) and respiratory disorder, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a skin disorder due to lack of medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a retrospective VA medical opinion to clarify the Veteran’s symptoms of residuals of TBI prior to August 1, 2015.

The Veteran's ED is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and diabetes. His TDIU claim is also granted. The claims for fibromyalgia, left knee disorder, vision loss in both eyes, kidney stones, residuals of a TBI, RLS, and TMJ are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his conditions, particularly regarding his TBI and radiculopathy.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are being remanded for further evaluation due to worsening symptoms and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted with a maximum 100% rating, effective from June 28, 2013. He also receives SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities. The TBI residuals are granted as well. However, issues related to dementia, ischemic heart disease, and TDIU prior to June 28, 2013 remain unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury, left knee tendonitis, and right ankle sprain are all granted effective from August 24, 2010. The disability ratings for the left knee tendonitis and right ankle sprains have been restored to their original levels.,Service connection is established for bilateral optic neuropathy resulting in blindness without light perception in both eyes. The Veteran is also eligible for SMC at the (l) level due to his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed all issues involving higher initial ratings for partial loss of the left great toe and increased ratings for frostbite residuals of the right and left feet due to a withdrawal request by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to new and material evidence received since the final August 2012 rating decision. The issue is remanded as there are outstanding VA medical records that need to be obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lower back disability and an effective date earlier than April 25, 2011 for his TBI. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a lower back disability related to military service and that he did not file any formal or informal claims for TBI prior to April 25, 2011.

The Veteran's TBI was granted, and the effective date is September 26, 2007.,Tinnitus has a maximum rating of 10 percent, which is already assigned. No higher ratings are available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, a back disability, a right ankle disability with broken blood vessel and swelling, residuals of frostbite of the right hand and thumb, and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder due to failure to provide VA examinations.