Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial disability rating for service-connected PTSD was granted, but a higher rating is denied. The initial disability rating for TBI residuals remains at 10 percent and the increased disability rating claim for PTSD is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.,A VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran’s chronic kidney disease is related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with levoscoliosis and strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's current disabilities are being reviewed, but no specific rating or effective date is provided.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder posttraumatic arthritis, labrum tear, and degeneration. The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20% for lumbar spine, status post L4-5 fusion residuals with intervertebral disc syndrome is withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for traumatic brain injury.

The appeal of the denials of service connection for various conditions due to herbicide exposure is dismissed. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to initial disability ratings for low back disability, migraine headaches, and TBI residuals, as well as service connection for hemorrhoids due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also requested to report for a VA examination to assess his current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the bilateral feet is denied as there are no current diagnosed residuals and his symptoms do not relate to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of October 31, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely due to service-connected disabilities as of that date.

The Board has granted service connection for a chin scar but has remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury due to lack of complete service treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI and OSA due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right knee disability and traumatic brain injury. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) contributed to his death from intracerebral hemorrhage, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, TBI, and post-concussion headaches) preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD alone.

The Veteran's laceration scars of the left cheek and left ear do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7800. The Veteran's service-connected TBI with headaches, subjective symptoms of light and sound sensitivity, and intermittent dizziness is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches are rated as 50 percent disabling, resolving a reasonable doubt in his favor. The TBI claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in service and if so, whether he currently has any residual symptoms or cognitive deficits.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction did not begin during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Board granted service connection for TBI, finding that the evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether his TBI originated from his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of recent VA medical records and an inadequate previous examination. The Veteran's TBI residuals, including cognitive impairment and subjective symptoms, need to be reassessed.