Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury and its residuals, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or causal relationship to in-service head injuries.

The Veteran's schizophrenia (previously PTSD) is granted a 100% evaluation prior to January 9, 2019. The Veteran’s syncope is granted a 10% evaluation. Service connection for TBI and TDIU prior to May 4, 2011 are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for traumatic brain injury and headaches due to the need for a Supplemental Statement of the Case considering new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury, Left Hand Fracture Residuals, and increased rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder due to incomplete development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) should be remanded due to incomplete records and need for updated VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action, including obtaining SSA records, updating VA treatment records, and scheduling a TBI examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) scar is granted. Service connection for a blood disorder is denied. The lumbar spine disability has been rated at 10%, 20%, and 40% since July 1, 2011, to November 19, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, including traumatic brain injury, finding no current disability related to the in-service head injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding treatment records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left and right shoulder disabilities, low back disorder, multiple joint pain, diabetes mellitus type II, residuals of a head injury (TBI), and vertigo. The reasons were that the Veteran did not have evidence of these conditions during or immediately after military service, and there was no clear connection to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if a headache disability is related to service or service-connected PTSD with traumatic brain injury residuals, and whether the PTSD residuals have aggravated any headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for frostbite, bilateral feet is reopened and the appeal is granted to this extent only. The case is remanded for a VA examination regarding current bilateral foot disability, to include as residual of cold injury.

The Veteran's headaches associated with TBI are rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating under DC 8100.,PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's TBI with cognitive deficits and headaches is rated at 40 percent, effective October 23, 2008. The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since October 23, 2008. Service connection for a skin disorder was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of death and entitlement to DIC benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's prostate condition, multiple soft tissue sarcoma and lipomas, and stomach disability have been granted. However, the Veteran's hearing loss disability and acquired psychological disorder remain unresolved.,Service connection has been established for prostate cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection due to insufficient evidence in some areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, including a lack of a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed TBI. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's initial rating for TBI residuals is denied as the highest level of impairment (1) does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's compensable rating for vascular headaches is denied due to less frequent prostrating attacks than required by the criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dementia and TBI are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his conditions and service.,There is a need for further evaluation or opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current cognitive symptoms, including those related to anxiety disorder, can be distinguished from any potential TBI residuals.