Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

Service connection for bilateral eye retinal detachment with retinal puckering status post laser repair was granted, and a compensable rating of 10% was assigned from November 13, 2006 to February 12, 2012. The Veteran is seeking an even higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for frostbite residuals of the left and right lower extremities, as well as ankle sprains, have been denied due to the anatomical loss of these limbs.,Special monthly compensation has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for service connection has been denied as the earliest date of receipt of a claim is May 11, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected, with the diagnosis confirmed by a VA psychologist and supported by credible supporting evidence of a claimed in-service stressor. The status of his TBI claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was initially rated as 20 percent disabling prior to December 2, 2009, and increased to 40 percent disabling thereafter.,For the cervical spine disability, the Veteran has been granted a 20 percent rating since March 8, 2000.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of TBI do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his cognitive impairment is characterized by impairment of less than 2 for all facets.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia, is service-connected. The claims for polysubstance abuse, traumatic brain injury residuals, low back disorder, and bronchitis are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for residuals of right and left foot frostbite, finding that there were no residuals other than reported pain, cold sensitivity, and numbness in both feet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of increased disability evaluation for PTSD and service connection for TBI are still pending.

The Veteran's TBI residuals have been rated as 10 percent prior to September 26, 2011 and as 40 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. The left flank scar is rated at 10 percent due to painful symptoms.

The Board found no evidence of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during service and determined that the Veteran's current symptoms, including headaches, are not related to any in-service injuries. Therefore, service connection for TBI is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee strain is as likely as not attributable to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of traumatic brain injury remains pending due to conflicting evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right eye and remanded the issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for service-connected migraine and tension headaches due to traumatic brain injury.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected traumatic brain injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a TBI, cervical spine or thoracolumbar spine disability and therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining service records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, GERD, and TBI were denied. Service connection was granted for cervical spine disability with a 10% rating effective July 16, 2009, and lumbar spine disability with a 10% rating prior to November 28, 2011, and a 20% rating thereafter.

The Veteran's service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in an increased rating, but noted that this issue is inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim and must be remanded.