Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy and to issue a Statement of the Case on all issues found denied in the July 2012 and October 2012 rating decisions.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was denied due to his failure to attend a VA joints examination and the lack of x-ray findings confirming arthritis. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining SSA records, scheduling a new VA examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder and mood disorder have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that TDIU is granted effective March 13, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot amputation and neurological issues, make it impossible for him to walk without the aid of a wheelchair or brace. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed condition is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, alcoholism, seizure disorder, and dementia were not incurred or aggravated by his period of active military service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

For the period from July 25, 1977 to June 30, 1994, the Veteran's seizure disorder was not manifested by any seizures and did not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board found that the residuals of a stroke and seizure disorder were not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service, concluding they are not proximately due to or aggravated by any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection for a psychiatric disorder and seizure disorder was properly denied, but granted reopening of his claim based on new evidence. The rating assigned is 10% for the seizure disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance from another person or by reason of being housebound due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves the reopening of a claim for service connection for seizure disorder and the initial rating assigned for PTSD. The Board has remanded these matters due to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and any outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying periods of active duty. The Veteran is also to be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his seizure disorder and essential tremor disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a seizure disorder, an eye disability, and a heart disability. The neck disability was found not to be related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral presbyopia is related to his service-connected hypertension. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a seizure disorder and anemia remain on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of these claims. The Board has not jurisdiction over these issues and they are therefore dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service hospitalization records and VA/VA clinic treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to clarify whether the Veteran's right side muscle spasms and seizure disorder are related to his service, a pre-existing condition, or Persian Gulf War service.

The Veteran's posttraumatic seizures have been rated at 80 percent since June 22, 2012. This rating is based on the severity of his seizure activity as described by him and confirmed by VA examinations.