Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for headaches and TBI were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claim for PTSD with MDD was also denied, but only prior to December 20, 2013; from that date onwards, he received ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's chronic brain injury (TBI) is currently rated at 50 percent from February 7, 2011 to December 10, 2015. The Board denied a higher rating for the period prior to and including February 7, 2011, as well as a separate disability rating for left knee instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the September 2008 rating decision denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss is final, and no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, including pes planus and calcaneal spurs. The issue of a TDIU prior to February 14, 2002, is also being referred to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including headaches and vertigo, are rated separately. The lumbago and left knee disability ratings remain unchanged.

The Board has determined that the appellant's urinary incontinence, right testicular disability, left ear hearing loss, cervical spine arthritis, and traumatic brain injury were not incurred or caused by his active service.

The Board has restored service connection for cognitive residuals and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the evidence does not show clear and unmistakable error in the original grant of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI residuals have been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since March 26, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's TBI is not related to his period of military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 16, 2009 for the service connection awards of PTSD with anxiety and depression, headaches, and TBI. The Veteran's claims are denied for earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's TBI and associated migraine headaches are rated at 10 percent each, effective October 23, 2008. The Board denied a higher rating for the TBI and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's TBI is related to active service, and he is granted service connection for a TBI. The initial compensable rating claim for his headache disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had a traumatic brain injury during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, right eye condition, and partial frostbite as there was no evidence of persistent symptoms indicative of a TBI or current diagnosis of the conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore, the claims are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has Traumatic Brain Injury and whether it is related to his service. The Veteran's symptoms have been noted but no definitive diagnosis of TBI has been made.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability. The claim for residuals from traumatic brain injury (TBI) was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI is related to head trauma sustained during service, and therefore grants service connection for a TBI. The claim regarding Bell's palsy will be remanded as it relates to the now granted TBI.