Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for right hip pain, left knee RPPS, and TBI due to the lack of current clinical diagnoses. The Veteran's symptoms were noted during service but did not result in a diagnosed disability.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury, including migraines and cognitive/behavioral impairments, are rated at 100% effective from August 26, 2010. The appeal is granted for these issues.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and his service-connected psychiatric disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of inner ear condition, headaches and dizziness, sleep apnea, and residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate evidence regarding whether the Veteran requires a higher level of care for his service-connected disabilities, including Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, and chronic headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. The claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, TBI, migraine headaches, and PTSD were all denied or had their effective dates denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to her service-connected conditions, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and TBI. The Board has determined that these issues are not fully addressed due to the need for additional evidence or clarification.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 13, 2013, for service connection of various conditions have been denied as a matter of law due to the preclusion of VA compensation while on active duty. The Board also remanded several issues related to chest pain and other disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for TBI with migraine headaches, but has remanded the issue of bilateral hearing loss due to conflicting evidence regarding its cause.

The Board denied service connection for frostbite, bilateral feet as the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 12, 2014 are not warranted and has therefore remanded the cases for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for sleep apnea and residuals of a traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 or non-service-connected death pension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depression, TBI, Posttraumatic Headaches, Right Patellar Tendonitis, Scalp Scar, Left Patellar Tendonitis, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and hypopituitarism due to potential inconsistencies in medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete development, including a lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is currently rated at 70 percent, effective prior to January 14, 2014. The Board has granted a separate 30 percent rating for vertigo due to TBI from September 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, heart disability (stent placement), lumbar degenerative disc disease, and traumatic brain injury residuals are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting potential exposure to herbicides during service. The Board will determine if this exposure qualifies him for presumptive service connection.