Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and TBI were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings, as the symptoms of anxiety and depression did not meet the criteria for a 70% rating, but only a 50% rating was assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, bilateral hearing loss, and left ankle scar, caused him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 3, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI and associated migraine headaches are service-connected, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's TBI is now rated at 40 percent effective from May 19, 2017. Prior to this date, the highest level of impairment was considered '1'.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, erectile dysfunction, left testicular atrophy, neurodermatitis, and GAD. The decision also granted a higher disability evaluation for GAD from September 27, 2005, and awarded special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TBI and sinusitis have been granted service connection. The lumbar spine, right shoulder, left knee, right knee, left eye, and left kidney disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is rated at 70 percent from October 24, 2012. The rating was granted as the symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The appeals for sleep apnea, left knee condition, right knee condition, and right hip condition are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip, sleep disorder, hypertension, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and right lower extremity neuropathy. The AOJ is instructed to obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for TBI and PTSD have been granted. The claim for a higher rating for the lumbar spine disorder is denied, but the case is REMANDED as it may be affected by the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right shoulder, and right hip disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service.,IBS was not related to service.,Hemorrhoids were not related to service.,TBI was not related to service.,Migraine headaches were not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and its relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and a TDIU, but the nonservice-connected pension claim is remanded due to eligibility concerns.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in significant occupational and social impairment from May 12, 2014 to March 1, 2016. From March 2, 2016, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination and lack of opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability and TBI. The Veteran is to be afforded a VA examination to determine if his disabilities are related to service, including an August 1973 motor vehicle accident.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes in either ear and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The psychiatric claim is remanded as the evidence of record is insufficient to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's TBI is currently rated at 10% and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted prior to January 7, 2021.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for traumatic brain injury, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to June 7, 2018 due to insufficient evidence and for referral to the Director, Compensation Service for consideration on an extraschedular basis.