Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TBI residuals are being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of the severity of his symptoms, including those reported by his family members.

Service connection for hemorrhoids is denied.,An initial rating of 10 percent for migraine headaches prior to February 9, 2018 is denied. A 30 percent rating for migraine headaches effective from February 9, 2018 is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 6, 2015 and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied.,An initial compensable rating prior to April 16, 2019, and a rating in excess of 40 percent thereafter for traumatic brain injury is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed traumatic brain injury, concussion, and residuals (head injury) are not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for TBI prior to April 19, 2019 was denied. The rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee traumatic arthritis with limitation of extension and the compensable rating for right ear hearing loss were also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, increased ratings for PTSD and lumbar spine disability, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to outstanding VA examinations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's TBI is service-connected, but has remanded for further development regarding his sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's TBI and its residuals, finding that his current symptoms are related to multiple IED explosions he experienced during deployment in Iraq.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a higher rating for right shoulder separation and PTSD as of December 30, 2014. The remaining issues have been REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed residuals of a traumatic brain injury are not related to service and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral back strain, traumatic brain injury, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) should be remanded due to outstanding service treatment records from 1980 to 1987. The RO must make a follow-up attempt to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and development due to inadequate prior examinations and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an examination for residuals of a TBI, which is necessary as there are diagnosed conditions related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and in-service hospitalization records. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination regarding her claimed residuals of TBI.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, TBI residuals with MDD, and cervico-genic headaches are all granted increased ratings. The Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his cervico-genic headaches.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 13, 2006 for the award of service connection for TBI residuals. The appeal regarding the propriety of the RO's revision of the initial rating decision is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a retroactive effective date.

The Veteran's frostbite residuals of the right index finger are granted a disability rating of 30 percent. The service connection for chronic kidney disease is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for organic residuals due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), to include neurocognitive impairment, is granted. The Veteran's service connection claim for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The examiner found no TBI or its residuals, but noted that the Veteran’s current complaints may be related to other conditions. A new examination is required.