Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss in the right ear and frostbite of the feet, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board granted the veteran's service connection for residuals of frostbite of the left and right hand, as well as residuals of frostbite of the left and right foot. The effective date is August 27, 1999.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylosis at L5, S1 with muscle strain. Service connection is not established for nephritis, residuals of frostbite to the hands and ears, or shin splints.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral lower extremity disorders, claimed as residuals of frostbite, were incurred in wartime service and granted service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 14, 1999 for his total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran was found not to be unemployable solely as a result of his service-connected conditions prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for review of all assembled evidence, including additional VA medical records and VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered based on all received evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, extreme sensitivity to cold, arthritis of the feet and hands, chronic toenail fungal infection, cracking and discolored legs, residuals of frostbite, and hepatitis C. The Board found no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's widow is seeking service connection for the cause of his death and dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318(b). The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records, including those from Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York, and an autopsy report.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of frostbite to the upper and lower extremities, which are not related to his active service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 60 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a total rating based on individual unemployability. The case has been referred to the Director of VA Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a nose fracture, service connection for allergic rhinitis, low back pain, and residuals of frostbite to his ears. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's peripheral vascular changes are related to service, specifically exposure to cold weather conditions in January and February 1977 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet requires further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and the need for additional evidence, including proof of in-service frostbite injury and medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a bilateral knee, leg, or hip disorder, nor does he have residuals of frostbite. The skin disorder claim is also denied as there is no evidence to support its existence during service.

The Board has denied service connection for burns to the right side of the face and ear, but granted service connection for residuals of frostbite of both feet. The issues regarding hearing loss and tinnitus require further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings for his perirectal abscess, pes planus, and contact dermatitis. The claim for residuals of frostbite of the right third finger remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected peptic ulcer disease contributed substantially to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The appellant is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The veteran withdrew all his pending appeals, including the one for service connection for cold weather injury to include frostbite of the ears and nose.