Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as there is no evidence of in-service head injuries and the VA examiner found that the TBI was more likely related to recent events, not his military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection of Traumatic Brain Injury. The Board has also granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of Multiple Sclerosis, finding that it had its onset in service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further examination and opinion regarding his service connection for TBI and headaches, as there are conflicting medical opinions in the file.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50% effective October 26, 2015. The rating for his TBI prior to February 27, 2020 is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing and following a substantially gainful occupation as of May 1, 2018. Effective May 1, 2018, the Veteran is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his failure to provide updated employment information, specifically by submitting a VA Form 21-8940. The evidence showed that he had service-connected disabilities but did not meet the criteria for TDIU as defined in the regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to unclear differentiation of symptoms between PTSD and TBI, as well as additional treatment records needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower extremity frostbite due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,The Veteran's headaches, neck disorder, back disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), anxiety, insomnia, sleep disturbances, and depression are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TBI was dismissed because the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, residuals of root canal, allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and residuals of frostbite. The claim for plantar fasciitis is denied.,The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for residuals of frostbite and plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The Veteran is also granted TDIU due to the combined impact of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI and headaches is rated at 70 percent since February 19, 2018. The appeal for a higher initial rating for the TBI prior to that date was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently assigned a noncompensable evaluation.,Service connection for the right knee disorder, left arm disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder are all denied.,Service connection for diabetes, back disorder, shoulder disorder, TBI (head injury) with memory loss, neck disorder, hypertension (high blood pressure), cerebral vascular accident (CVA, strokes), headaches, and PTSD is also denied.,The Veteran's vision loss was not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as major depressive disorder, is granted service connection. The Board also remanded several issues related to secondary service connection for bilateral nerve damage condition of lower extremities, traumatic brain injury, bilateral nerve damage condition of hands, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with TBI and lumbar strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU effective June 5, 2009.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and left knee strain. The right shoulder disorder claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 14, 2017 for the grant of service connection for TBI with PTSD is denied. The earliest possible effective date for his disability is August 14, 2017.