Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including post-concussion headaches and dizziness, warrant a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and associated headaches is denied. The Board found no communication indicating an intent to file a claim prior to January 2010, and there was no record of a formal or informal written claim made in writing prior to that time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to no greater than level zero impairment of any cognitive function.

The appeal to reopen service connection for headaches and TBI residuals is granted. Service connection for these conditions is also granted. The heart disability claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions, including headaches, TBI, GI disability, back disability, and left shoulder disability. The Board will also review the claims file to ensure that all necessary actions have been taken.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed, including consideration of any preexisting conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's service connection for TBI residuals, including headaches, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Headaches, as well as the TDIU claim, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's OSA is not considered secondary to his service-connected PTSD and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,There is no evidence of TBI residuals at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim, nor is there evidence linking GERD to service connection.,Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is also denied as secondary to PTSD and not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to TBI, is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service or TBI.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and anxiety, is denied as there is no evidence showing it was incurred in service.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown by VA standards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is denied as she does not have a current diagnosis of TBI and her symptoms are attributed to other conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as there was no evidence of an in-service TBI event.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tension headaches was denied as the evidence did not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder was rated at 50 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9413.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from his National Guard and Army Reserve periods of service. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is granted a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The reduction in rating for prostate cancer residuals is reversed and the original 40 percent rating is restored.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to additional evidence and procedural issues.

Service connection for a bilateral knee disability is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied, as the Veteran's current symptoms are more likely related to age rather than service. The case of bilateral ankle disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed because they passed away, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury should be remanded due to incomplete records and further development is needed.