Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2019

The reduction in the Veteran’s rating for residuals of TBI from 10 percent to 0 percent was improper, and the prior rating is restored.,The criteria for an effective date earlier than October 17, 2014, for the award of service connection for PTSD with major depression are not met.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran’s PTSD with major depression meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

Service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is granted.,Service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury was denied.,Initial increased ratings of 10% each were granted for Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy prior to October 11, 2018, and Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy prior to October 11, 2018.,The Veteran is not entitled to an initial compensable rating for Hemorrhoids.,Effective dates of November 1, 2011 were granted for service connection of Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy and Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy. The effective date for service connection of Hemorrhoids was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for TBI with headaches and cognitive impairment as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right eye disability. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's TBI is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found no evidence of greater impairment in any cognitive facet. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and TBI as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the evidence does not support a link between any in-service injuries and the current disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further medical guidance and examination regarding his claimed disabilities, including TBI, breathing problems, and sleep apnea. The VA will obtain treatment records, schedule examinations, and determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current conditions and military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to a request to participate in the RAMP program. The issues of service connection and evaluation for various conditions are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective August 9, 2016. The TBI remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his migraine headaches, PTSD with TBI, and TDIU.

The Veteran's macular hole surgery is granted reimbursement, as it was necessary for treatment of a disability associated with and aggravating his service-connected traumatic brain injury residuals.

The Board has dismissed all appeals as the Veteran withdrew his requests for service connection and other benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and alcohol use disorder, has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or other mental health conditions.,Service connection for TBI was also denied as there is no objective medical evidence to support a diagnosis of TBI.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and associated headaches has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and additional evidence is needed to determine if he requires aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The Board cannot make a fully-informed decision on these issues without further evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and restless leg syndrome are all found to be secondary to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's palate salivary gland cancer is found to be due to exposure to herbicide agent (to include agent orange).,Service connection for the Veteran’s conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that her headaches did not meet the criteria for a 50% rating, and she was granted service connection for depression and an egg allergy. Service connection for TBI and heart disorder were also denied due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of brain trauma and bilateral hearing loss due to conflicting opinions from VA examiners. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronic symptoms within one year post-service. Frostbite is also not considered a compensable disability.,Frostbite residuals are not recognized by VA for compensation purposes.