Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2019

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding initial ratings and earlier effective dates for PTSD, migraine headaches, and TBI. The claims are therefore dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective from September 11, 2014. The appeal for an earlier effective date was withdrawn.

This decision denies the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for diverticulitis, an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for residuals of traumatic brain injury with unspecified anxiety disorder, and an earlier effective date for the 20 percent rating for low back disability. The Board found that there was no evidence showing an increase in severity within one year prior to July 5, 2018.

The Veteran's disability ratings for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with associated Erectile Dysfunction and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals were restored to their previous levels of 70 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate statements of reasons or bases for the adequacy of VA examinations related to TBI. The Veteran needs an adequate TBI examination by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, physiatrist, neurosurgeon, or neurologist, to determine if he has residuals of a TBI and its etiology.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the issues have also become moot.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal.,Service connection was denied for cervical, low back, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran did not have TBI or a vision problem at any time during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed frostbite residuals are related to his in-service exposure to cold temperatures, and thus service connection for a bilateral leg disability is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his left knee disability and PTSD/TBI combined rating is denied. The left knee disability remains rated at 10 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage in the left knee. A temporary total disability rating was granted from June 18, 2018 to July 30, 2018 due to surgery. The combined PTSD/TBI rating remains at 70 percent.

Service connection for TBI and sleep apnea, as well as headaches and GERD, is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss and TBI. The case is remanded to obtain additional examination opinions regarding whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for TBI residuals. The case will be returned to the RO for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The Veteran's STRs do not show TBI, but there is conflicting medical evidence suggesting possible residuals of an in-service head injury. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has any current disability that is related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his TBI is being remanded due to new evidence received since the last statement of the case.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knee has been granted.,Service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for these records, and a medical examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an in-service head injury/TBI, migraine headaches, and a seizure disorder due to lack of credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran is seeking higher initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including a TBI with headaches.