Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and a need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme did not have its onset in service and was not related to Agent Orange exposure. Therefore, it denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, with the exception of a seizure disorder claim which was reopened. The other conditions were not found to be related to service.

The Board has expanded the issues on appeal to include an acquired psychiatric disorder, and is remanding for further development of evidence related to this claim. The Veteran's claims for alcohol dependence and seizure disorder are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with his service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness, headaches, and a seizure disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The issues of service connection for these conditions will be considered together as they are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for post-operative residuals partial excision astrocytic hamartoma with tuberous sclerosis, hydrocephalus, and seizure disorder to include claims for eye tumors and kidney lesions with chronic renal failure due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the Veteran's seizure disorder, effective December 16, 2005. The earlier effective date requested is denied as it does not meet the criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C or epilepsy due to service and denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and other issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's conversion disorder with pseudo-seizures was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The effective dates for the granted benefits are established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, or any link to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of hepatitis. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA treatment records, private medical records, and the Veteran's statements, the Board finds that none of the conditions claimed are related to active service or can be presumed due to exposure to certain hazards. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a seizure disorder, which was aggravated by service. The claim for service connection for a dental disability as secondary to epilepsy is remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for a seizure disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of complex partial seizure disorder is related to an in-service head injury and credible statements from the Veteran and his witnesses.

The Veteran's complex partial seizures are currently rated at 80 percent disabling, effective from March 8, 2001. The rating is granted and no higher ratings are warranted.

The VA Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the Veteran's seizure disorder is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his last months of service were characterized by depression and that this condition contributed to his suicide.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including heart disease, stroke with left-sided weakness, left visual impairment, left auditory impairment, thyroid dysfunction, and seizure disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims are denied.