Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as there is no evidence that his current symptoms are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected status post frostbite right and left foot disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral heel spurs, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran's claim for bilateral shin splints was not addressed as it is separate from the main issues.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability was also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including a new TDIU evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD, TBI, and headaches are all being reviewed for increased ratings.

The Veteran's low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss are currently rated as 10 percent each. The Board denied increased ratings for these conditions.,Service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), migraine headaches secondary to TBI, and an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to TBI was not granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw all pending appeals.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for residuals of a TBI and remanded it due to insufficient evidence. The appellant needs to provide updated VA treatment records, STRs, and SPRs related to his in-service head injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury and left knee disability have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or direct service connection. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a TBI during service, and his left knee disability is not shown to be related to his right knee condition.

Service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and bilateral pes planus and bilateral foot disabilities has been granted.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions are related to his period of active duty.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is granted as service connected, with the condition first diagnosed in 1993 and linked to his military service via air gun inoculations. The other conditions are denied due to lack of a current diagnosis or no evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI is withdrawn. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, loss of use of feet and hands as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, rhabdomyolysis, serotonin syndrome, SMC based on need for aid and attendance and/or housebound status, SMC based on loss of use of upper and lower extremities, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for the cause of death due to cardiovascular disabilities is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its relationship with service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's TBI disability is currently rated at 40 percent. A new medical opinion is needed to determine if it warrants an increased rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and traumatic brain injury due to lack of an opinion on causation from VA examination, and the need for further medical evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to address the new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's current plantar fasciitis of the right and left foot, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headaches, PTSD, and right knee disability are all found to be related to his military service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted service connection. The effective date for the TBI has been set at March 9, 2012.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is granted as secondary to PTSD. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted on a direct basis.

The claim to reopen the service connection for a lumbar spine disability is granted. PTSD and major depressive disorder are granted, but with remand for increased rating evaluations. The claims for TBI and migraine headaches are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development of evidence regarding his in-service assault and head injury, as well as his psychological conditions. The case will be returned to the RO for further investigation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, TBI, and migraines render her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met.