Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder contributed to his development of fatal COPD, which was the cause of death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The veteran's residuals of frostbite of both feet, with onychomycosis and tinea pedis are rated at a 30 percent evaluation from August 30, 1982 to January 11, 1998.

The veteran's cervical spondylosis is service-connected, but his claims for other conditions are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for frostbite of the feet residuals but denied service connection for a perforated left tympanic membrane.

The Board found that the veteran did not have frostbite of the nose during service and there is no current disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 29, 2000, for a 70 percent disability rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is granted. However, the claim for an effective date prior to March 30, 2001, for TDIU benefits is denied.

The veteran's service connection claims for residuals of dental trauma, residuals of frostbite, and right eye disorder are all granted. The conditions were found to be directly related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of a need for regular aid and attendance is denied, as there is no credible or competent evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person. The veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance with special adaptive equipment is also denied due to lack of qualifying service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite injuries to his feet and an increased rating for left common peroneal nerve injury residuals, finding no evidence of current disability due to these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet and denied it on the merits, finding that new and material evidence was received but that the veteran's current foot disability is not related to his military service.

The Board found no current diagnosis of residuals of frostbite to the hands and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of residuals of frostbite and peripheral nerve injuries have not met the criteria for increased ratings.

The Board has denied increased ratings for residuals of right and left foot frostbite, but the claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a right ring finger disability is remanded to the RO.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received after previous SSOCs.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the right and left feet, as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current residuals of frostbite to his hands and feet, and there is no evidence of a cold injury during service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of frostbite of the feet or facial scars as a result of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current kidney disorder and frostbite of the hands and feet are related to service, while nicotine dependence and resulting emphysema are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is still denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current disability to military service.