Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI residuals has been reopened, but the claim remains denied as there is no current diagnosis of a TBI or TBI residuals.,Service connection was not granted for a heart disorder and gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed TBI condition, as well as whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective August 14, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple knee/ankle conditions, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and to ensure that all pertinent evidence has been considered. The issues of increased ratings for left knee disability, TBI, hypertension, renal disability, and entitlement to TDIU are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain clarification on the dates of his Reserve service and to provide addendum opinions regarding the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and frostbite residuals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diplopia associated with a traumatic brain injury is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, headaches (head injury), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence now shows that these conditions are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's service-connected frostbite of the right and left feet, with hyperpigmentation of the toenails, is rated at 30 percent each. The Board also granted a TDIU effective November 19, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a medical examination to address the nature of his TBI residuals and tinnitus.

The Board has found that the Veteran experienced a facial fracture in service and granted service connection for residuals of a facial fracture. The other issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a traumatic brain injury remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to new evidence provided by the Veteran, including testimony and additional evidence regarding the etiology of his TBI residuals. An updated VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination and opinion to determine if the appellant has a TBI associated with his reported in-service trauma, including exposure to shock waves from close-proximity bombings during combat. The claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and TBI with residuals including migraines, effective from January 16, 2009.

The Board found no evidence of frostbite, hearing loss, or neuropathy in service and denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions. The Board also found that any neuropathy is related to diabetes rather than service.

The Board found no direct service connection for residuals of head injury/TBI, right knee disability, or left thigh disability due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was denied as there is insufficient evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his active duty service.

The Veteran's TBI and PTSD with anxiety are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not sufficient for his condition as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since April 13, 2011. This rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in most areas.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ankle disability, diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis, was incurred in service. The Veteran also has residuals of frostbite of both feet, which are not considered to be service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury and loss of vision in the left eye, rendered him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment as of June 19, 2009. The Board granted TDIU effective from that date.