Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The Veteran should also be scheduled for examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD with TBI, traumatic arthritis, right ankle disability with scar, and other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and requests that VA attempts to obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations, as his symptoms have worsened since previous evaluations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded in conjunction with the increased evaluation claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, C5-C6 and residuals of traumatic brain injury due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite to the bilateral lower extremities is denied as there are no current residuals found.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, which is secondary to residuals of frostbite, is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed PTSD as a result of active service and that this condition caused or contributed to his death by suicide. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent evaluation for TBI is granted, effective from February 11, 2014. The evaluation for post-traumatic headaches remains at 30 percent and effective prior to July 17, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including dental disorder, tuberculosis, high cholesterol, abnormal liver test, chronic fatigue syndrome, residuals of traumatic brain injury, bilateral hand numbness, bilateral foot numbness, spine disorder, and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active military service.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for the period between July 31, 2012 and March 31, 2015 due to his service-connected PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and diabetes mellitus.

The rating for TBI with cognitive disorder was reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent effective April 1, 2013. The reduction was upheld as the evidence showed sustained improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Aid and Attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 13, 2011, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him incapable of performing employment duties.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including a major neurocognitive disorder resulting from a TBI and depressive disorder), and hypertension. The Board found that these conditions are not related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of TBI and PTSD have been granted. The rating for PTSD has also been increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and traumatic brain injury are being remanded due to the need for medical opinions on their etiology.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for TBI and an earlier effective date for PTSD were denied due to untimely notice of disagreement, failure to report for a VA examination, and lack of entitlement prior to the filing of claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for TBI and major depressive disorder as more development is needed, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting new examinations.

The Veteran's frostbite residuals and tinea pedis have been granted service connection. The right thumb disability has been granted a 10% rating, but the issue of an increased rating is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and examination to address her TBI, left knee strain, migrainous and cervicogenic headaches, and service-connected psychiatric disabilities. The issues of rating the TBI, left knee strain, and migrainous and cervicogenic headaches are currently on appeal.

The Veteran's MDD with mild neurocognitive disorder and TBI is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of claim. The right maxillary sinusitis was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability were not incurred in or aggravated during service.