Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of paresis of the fifth cranial nerve has been granted, but his claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and residuals of traumatic brain injury have been remanded.,The Board will need to provide a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his in-service facial fracture and if his residuals of traumatic brain injury are related to his in-service football accident.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD, frostbite injury to bilateral ears, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder, difficulty sleeping, and bilateral hearing loss due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected residuals of a traumatic brain injury and for an initial compensable rating for chronic migraine headaches associated with residuals of a TBI due to lack of recent medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted, effective from October 6, 2014. The appeals to service connection and increased ratings for other conditions are dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for atrial fibrillation as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and for a traumatic brain injury, based on the medical evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and conflicting evidence opinions. The Veteran's TBI and PTSD need to be reassessed by different qualified physicians.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Headaches are granted, with an effective date of January 26, 2006.

The Veteran's tinnitus was related to service, but he did not have residuals of traumatic brain injury during the pendency of his claim.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a right leg condition due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right leg condition and his service or service-connected disability.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities necessitate the aid and attendance of another person to assist with some activities of daily living and protect him from ordinary hazards. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased evaluation for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder. The remaining issues of service connection for frostbite, trench foot, peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus and TBI due to a lack of medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal to increase his initial disability rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in writing.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of frostbite of both hands due to additional development being needed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a TBI and entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 14, 2015 due to new evidence added to the record since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an effective date prior to September 20, 2013 for the award of benefits for traumatic brain injury and headaches secondary to traumatic brain injury due to a pending claim of clear and unmistakable error regarding the effective date of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a laceration scar of the anterior neck. The right knee, TBI, and related issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis under VA regulation.,Claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were remanded due to insufficient medical evidence or lack of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).,Service connection claims for digestive disorder, joint pain, skin condition, traumatic brain injury, and right great toe bunionectomy residuals were also remanded.,The Veteran withdrew his claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and for a compensable disability rating for scars (claimed as neck fusion surgical scar, bunionectomy scar).

The Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI and an increased rating for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's dizziness may be related to his obstructive sleep apnea, but more information is needed. His head injury from a car accident in service needs further evaluation.