Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for pension benefits is denied as he did not file a claim within one year of becoming permanently and totally disabled.

The Board found no chronic residual disability associated with the veteran's frostbite in service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that none of the service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and frostbite, caused or contributed to the veteran's death due to a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident. The appellant appealed this decision.

The Board found no medical evidence showing current residuals of the veteran's frostbite injury, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the left ear and hypertension, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for residuals of frostbite. The hypertension was determined not to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the residuals of frostbite of both feet are currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of frostbite of both ears prior to November 17, 1998 and increased the evaluations to 10 percent for each ear after that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized home improvements and structural alterations, finding that there was no medical emergency necessitating the installation in March 1997.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet and seizure disorder secondary to a head injury, but denied the claims for infectious hepatitis and psychiatric disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected frozen feet and frostbite residuals are rated at 10% prior to January 12, 1998, and at 30% effective from that date.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to inservice cold exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite and Buerger's disease, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for residuals of fracture of the left great toe, finding that the disability is primarily manifested by complaints of pain and stiffness with no additional functional impairment due to pain or other factors. The current 10% rating best represents the veteran's condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected frostbite residuals and fractured right great toe have been rated appropriately throughout the appeal period.

The veteran's claim for service connection for frostbite of the feet was denied as there is no evidence to support his in-service exposure or injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, bilateral frostbite of the feet and hands, and a dental and gum disorder (claimed as 'trench mouth'), finding that his asthma existed prior to service and did not worsen during service. The claim for a dental disorder was also denied due to lack of timely application.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for special monthly pension benefits due to a lack of evidence showing that he requires regular aid and attendance or is substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Board finds that the veteran did not suffer from frostbite of his feet and/or hands during active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of frostbite of the left great toe do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for frostbite of his feet, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation based on the criteria in effect prior to January 12, 1998.