Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, residuals of TBI, and seizures were denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's TBI is not associated with any residuals of cognitive, emotional/behavioral, or physical impairment that are already contemplated in separately assigned ratings.,Prior to March 24, 2022, the tension headaches did not result in characteristic prostrating attacks averaging at least one in two months. From March 24, 2022, they have not resulted in such attacks occurring on average once a month over several months.

The Veteran's TBI from June 1, 2018, to November 22, 2019, is rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's TBI from November 23, 2019, to November 4, 2021, is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TBI claims require additional development due to worsening symptoms since the last examinations.

The Veteran's TBI residuals from April 2016 to March 26, 2018 were granted a 10% disability rating. From March 26, 2018, the right ankle instability was granted a separate 20% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left shoulder disability, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, ED, and a traumatic brain injury have been dismissed. The appeal for recoupment of separation pay by withholding VA benefits due to TBI has been remanded.

The Board has restored the Veteran's TBI rating from noncompensable to 10 percent, effective June 22, 2015. The reduction was improper as it did not consider whether there was actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including frostbite residuals, fatigue, skin disorders, ankle and shin splints, respiratory disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder. Service connection is not granted for TBI or lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is granted as the evidence shows that his TBI residuals are related to in-service head injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for TBI and SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to potential toxic exposure in service, including Gulf War service. The Veteran is presumed to have a toxic exposure unless there is affirmative evidence to establish no toxic exposure.

The Veteran's migraine and tension headaches are rated at 50% from January 24, 2018 to the present. The TBI residuals are rated at 10%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted from January 24, 2018 to July 24, 2019.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various brain-related conditions, including head trauma residuals and traumatic brain injury. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury and other conditions such as narcolepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic sinusitis, tension headaches, right shoulder strain with shoulder impingement syndrome, left shoulder strain with shoulder impingement syndrome, lower back strain, cervical neck strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, right 4th metacarpal fracture with scar, allergic rhinitis, shin splints of the left and right lower extremities, right eye strabismus, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the appeal period prior to August 13, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD, migraines, and TBI residuals are rated at 70 percent from March 8, 2016. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU effective from March 8, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals, OSA, and headaches are remanded due to the failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations. The SMC claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for residuals of TBI and remanded the issues of service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and erectile dysfunction (secondary to PTSD).