Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches due to TBI are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that these symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for TBI and other specified depressive disorder prior to June 8, 2020 were denied. The claim for an increased rating for TBI with other specified trauma and stressor related disorder since June 8, 2020 was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 15, 2003 for the award of service connection for TBI has been granted. The issue of a higher initial rating for TBI is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of acute mountain sickness, including seizures and traumatic brain injury. The examiner is asked to provide more detailed opinions on whether these conditions are related to service or caused by his service-connected insomnia.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed TBI disability, as well as a VA audiological examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for TBI, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for loss of teeth associated with his mandible fracture are being remanded due to the failure to notify him of scheduled examinations. The Board will attempt to reschedule these exams and provide further notice.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current disability or in-service incurrence. Service connection is also denied for residuals of TBI, speech disorder, learning disorder, and balance problems due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for rheumatoid arthritis has been granted, as the evidence is at least evenly balanced in favor of the Veteran.,Service connection has also been granted for bilateral pes planus on an aggravation basis. The preexisting condition worsened during service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities and initial rating determinations. The main reasons are due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification of opinions regarding the Veteran's TBI residuals, post traumatic headaches, encephaloceles, and CFS leak, status post craniotomy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot disorder and residuals of traumatic brain injury due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for TBI prior to February 1, 2016 and PTSD with TBI after that date are denied. The reduction in the PTSD rating from 100% to 70% is remanded, as well as a higher rating for PTSD with TBI and entitlement to TDIU prior to March 24, 2020.

Service connection for hemorrhoids was denied. Prior to August 14, 2020, the Veteran's TBI did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,From August 14, 2020, the Veteran's TBI disability is not rated higher than 40 percent.

The Veteran's TBI residuals were evaluated and found to be productive of level 1 impairment, resulting in a denial of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's TBI with cognitive impairment is rated at 70 percent effective February 25, 2014. Effective January 25, 2014, the Veteran has been granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of headaches, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and left eye condition due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran's statements about his service injuries are assumed credible unless inconsistent with medical evidence or principles.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claim for PTSD, to include schizophrenia. The remaining claims were denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating determinations. These include right ear sensorineural hearing loss, left ear sensorineural hearing loss, a neck disability (claimed as C Disc), and residuals of a traumatic brain injury.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issues of TBI with headaches, left knee strain, right knee strain, and TDIU.