Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for post concussion syndrome with seizure disorder and entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were denied as the Veteran failed to appear at scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected right cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's pseudoseizure disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD. From January 14, 2004, to July 6, 2005, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent and granted a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for additional development.

The Veteran's epilepsy with both petit mal and grand mal seizures is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent, which is granted. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's second period of active duty and SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a seizure disorder due to VA treatment is denied as there is no evidence that the seizures were caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or fault.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a seizure disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to his military service. The Veteran had no relevant complaints or diagnoses during service and no post-service treatment records indicating a continuity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA neurological examination and review of the medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation and TDIU based on her service-connected epilepsy is being remanded due to the Veteran's incapacity at the time of the scheduled examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical evidence from Camp Lejeune. The appellant is also required to provide any relevant VA or private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia and did not reopen his petition to service connect seizure disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of brain damage, including a seizure disorder, effective from March 9, 1998. The Veteran's claim was filed in March 1998 and the disability arose within one year after his separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including implementing the Board's decision to increase his PTSD rating and clarifying the impact of all service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA TBI examination and a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's syncopal episodes and seizures are not considered to be the result of VA care, as they were not caused by any fault or foreseeable event.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a seizure disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence received since the prior denial supports the claim. The Veteran's active duty was not in Vietnam, thus precluding eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has denied the claim for an effective date earlier than April 4, 2007 for the grant of service connection for a seizure disorder due to the finality of the prior denial and the receipt of the claim to reopen on April 4, 2007.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder), and a chronic seizure disorder. The evidence submitted since the previous decisions is both new and material.

The Board found no evidence of current normal pressure hydrocephalus, petit mal seizures, organic brain syndrome, or dementia related to service. The Veteran's conditions are not considered service-connected.