Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the left lower extremity and right above-the-knee amputation, which was granted by the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for authorization of ongoing non-VA (fee basis) treatment, finding that massage therapy or reflexology is not reasonable and necessary medical treatment.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of the right lower extremity have resulted in a significant impairment, necessitating his use of a cane and wheelchair for ambulation. As such, he is eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance.

The veteran's current neurological changes affecting both feet, with tissue loss and chronic fungal infection, are considered residuals of frostbite injury incurred during service in Alaska.

The Board has dismissed the appeals concerning entitlement to service connection for a chronic skin disorder, residuals of frostbite of the feet, and the residuals of a left eye injury as these issues have been fully resolved. The issue of entitlement to service connection for the residuals of a left eye injury was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained a cold injury to his hands during service and currently has residuals of this injury, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining any pertinent evidence.

The veteran is seeking service connection for frostbite residuals from World War II. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an examination and further development of his claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet is granted as he was exposed to extreme cold during active military service and has current residual symptoms.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing and issuance of a statement of the case regarding his claim for service connection for the residuals of frostbite.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current chronic residual disability of frostbite of the hands related to his active military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted since the July 1995 rating decision.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a low back disability or residuals of frostbite of the feet, and thus denied service connection for both conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's residuals of frostbite of both hands and feet. The effective date for resuming a 10 percent evaluation for his left knee disability is set at August 30, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not shown to have been present in service or for many years thereafter, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for hearing loss and increased evaluations for residuals of frozen feet and frostbite. The RO granted separate ratings of 20 percent for each foot, but the veteran disagreed with the entire decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and frostbite, finding no current diagnoses of these conditions in the medical records. The veteran was also denied increased ratings for his right hand disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete evidence and need for VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his service connection claims for frostbite residuals, including obtaining missing medical records and information from Social Security Administration.