Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TBI residuals is denied. The Board found that there was no factual basis to grant an earlier effective date as the increase in symptoms occurred after February 21, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI has been reopened, but the issue of remanding it remains unresolved.,PTSD was granted with an initial rating of 70% from May 7, 2013 to September 16, 2015. However, a higher rating is denied starting September 17, 2015.

The Board dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of left knee disability. The claims for nose trauma residuals, PTSD with anxiety and depression, sleep disorder (other than sleep apnea), TBI, and headaches were all granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches prior to April 30, 2018 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for dizziness and phonosensitivity after April 30, 2018 was also denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its related conditions, finding that there is no current evidence of TBI residuals or cognitive impairment. The appeal was dismissed.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those related to the Veteran's right knee disability, back disability, TBI, respiratory disability, headache disability, left forearm scar, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disorder, neck disorder, bilateral foot disorder, right hip disorder, chest disorder, and bilateral foot fungus. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from VA facilities and any private providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to TBI, cervical spine disorder, right leg disorder, left knee disorder, right thumb disorder, left thumb disorder, deviated septum with post-surgery complications, sleep disorder, and right knee disorder have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, his claims remain denied as there is no legal basis for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 23, 2010 for the Veteran's entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision is based on the fact that the Veteran was entitled to a combined rating of at least 70 percent with a single disability rated at 40 percent or more since December 23, 2010, and his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head trauma, eczema, rhinitis, sinusitis, postoperative colon cancer (residuals other than scars), irritable bowel syndrome, and anal fissures are all denied.,Service connection is not granted for PFB.

The Veteran was granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD, TBI, and MDD effective January 20, 2016. The effective date of this decision is the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Board has determined that the initial TBI VA examination was inadequate and requires a new examination to determine if the Veteran's reported symptoms are related to his service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and ratings for certain disabilities. The specific issues include dental disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, ear infections, sleep apnea, arm and elbow disorders, frostbite residuals, low back disorder, sciatic nerve disorder, psychiatric disorders, pes planus, gout in the lower extremities, bronchial asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI with headaches is reopened, but the claim remains denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for tinnitus, a right knee disability, sarcoidosis, and traumatic brain injury due to incomplete records and lack of supporting medical evidence.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private medical records and VA treatment records. The appeals are REMANDED.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, residuals of frostbite, and higher evaluations for hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current functional status and cognitive impairment, requiring further development including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, right knee condition, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury are all granted. The PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to October 2018 and 100 percent since then.