Traumatic brain injury (TBI) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including his scar claim, knee conditions, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a traumatic brain injury with headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent prior to September 9, 2021, for service-connected traumatic brain injury (now rated as posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder, to include traumatic brain injury) is remanded. The appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability prior to October 21, 2020, is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) related to in-service head injuries, including an assault by military police. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for chronic abdominal pain, traumatic brain injury residuals, and a left shoulder disability must be remanded due to inadequate VA opinions. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by these issues.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD and mood disorder have been dismissed. The claims of service connection for residual of TBI, cervical spine disorder, and respiratory disorder are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of TBI or vertigo, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Right Shoulder Injury, finding that the persuasive weight of the evidence is against a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.,The Veteran's claims were based on in-service car accidents, but his current symptoms did not manifest until many years after service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of TBI and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial rating for TBI with PTSD was denied, and service connection for TBI was granted at a 70 percent disability rating effective January 10, 2017. The case is now before the Board to determine if an increased rating beyond 70 percent is warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to the lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence addressing rectal leakage and peripheral neuropathy. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury and has remanded the issue of service connection for chronic fatigue disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability is dismissed. The extension of a temporary total rating beyond October 1, 2018, based on a period of convalescence for service-connected back disability is denied. The Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to new evidence showing worsening symptoms, including headaches, depression, and memory impairment. The Veteran needs further VA examinations and information about his employment history.

The Board dismissed the appeals seeking earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee, PFB, and TBI (Head injury).,The Veteran's claims for service connection of left wrist de Quervain's tenosynovitis, bilateral shin splints, and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to new evidence of worsening conditions. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations and complete a TDIU claim form.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not rated as compensable, with the most probative evidence showing no significant impairment.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a current left eye disability related to service. The Veteran's ptosis began in 2006 and was not present during his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing disability is related to noise exposure during active duty.,Service connection was denied for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as there is no credible evidence showing a TBI occurred during active duty or qualifying ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and frostbite residuals of bilateral feet due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.