Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, deviated septum, residuals of concussion (including TBI), Parkinson's disease, and right ear hearing loss.,There is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's TBI, vertigo, blurred vision, left knee disability, sciatica, bilateral hearing loss, and temporomandibular joint disability are all under review.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse and TBI is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury and remanded his claims for increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's TBI with central vertigo is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case for a new evaluation due to evidence suggesting worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, migraine headaches, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and TBI is rated at 70 percent, effective December 6, 2016. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for chest pains.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and C-5 compression fracture have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 30% for his C-5 compression fracture.

The Board has remanded the claim due to errors in adjudicating the TBI rating, including failing to consider January 2021 diagnostic testing records and addressing the Veteran's argument about the adequacy of a December 2020 VA examination. The Veteran is required to provide any additional evidence needed for the appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further evaluation and opinion regarding the Veteran's TBI and fibromuscular dysplasia. The TBI case is related to a disability rating, while the fibromuscular dysplasia case involves reopening of service connection due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported TBI incident on board the USS Antietam. The VA is instructed to make multiple requests for deck logs spanning from April 1953 to March 1955, and any relevant documents should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TBI was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in either condition.,For the increased rating claim, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted with an effective date of October 1, 2017, but subject to certain limitations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and granted. The appeal is denied for an increased rating for PTSD with TBI, but the case is remanded for further action on other issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including frostbite residuals of both feet and tinnitus, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of traumatic brain injury, right hand 5th distal phalanx fracture (claimed as broken pinky), bleeding ulcers, scars (nose, left hand, and left knee), asthma, and deviated septum are all being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of traumatic brain injury, right hand 5th distal phalanx fracture (claimed as broken pinky), bleeding ulcers, scars (nose, left hand, and left knee), asthma, and deviated septum are all being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for residuals of head trauma as this claim was fully granted by a January 2022 Decision Review Officer decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA, a respiratory condition, TBI residuals, and dental issues are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Board is requesting additional records from the Veteran and VA treatment records after June 2018. They also require an addendum opinion on whether his OSA, respiratory condition, TBI, or dental condition were caused by or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.,The Board is seeking a supplemental examination to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing dental condition (trench mouth) was aggravated during military service and if his current dental issues are related to his OSA. They also need an opinion on whether his headaches in service may be residuals of TBI from combat.,VA treatment records dated after June 2018 must be obtained for all claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claims during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's private treatment records and to provide him with a VA examination for his bilateral hearing loss, ingrown toenails, heart condition, digestive disability (gastroenteritis), periodontal disease, liver condition, left lower extremity sciatica, major depressive disorder with insomnia and traumatic brain injury (TBI), DJD of the thoracolumbar spine, right hand DJD, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, residual scars of the right eyebrow, and residual scars of the left upper and forearm. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical evidence and need for further examination.