Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran's focal seizures are not related to active service or any incident of service, including as due to an in-service head injury or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected epilepsy and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed seizure disability or disability manifested by episodic loss of consciousness, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to establish whether the Veteran's current seizure disorder or traumatic brain injury is related to his service, including an incident on the USS Enterprise in 1969.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's seizure disorder is related to active service or proximately due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's seizure disability, which may be related to his military service and exposure to Agent Orange. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's seizure disorder is at least as likely as not due to his service-connected claustrophobia with depression. The Board grants the claim for service connection for a seizure disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's vertigo and dizziness.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 20, 2007 and increased to 70 percent effective August 30, 2016. The TDIU was granted prior to the increase in PTSD rating.,PTSD symptoms have caused significant occupational impairment throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current dumping syndrome with recurrent hypoglycemic episodes, seizure disorder, and TBI residuals (including memory loss) are related to his service-connected gastrointestinal surgeries. The evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected gastrointestinal surgeries.

The Veteran is entitled to SMC at the (r-1) rate due to his service-connected seizure disorder and PTSD, both of which individually require regular aid and attendance.

The Board found no current psychiatric disorder separate from the Veteran's service-connected dementia and headaches, thus denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria. The effective date for service connection of bilateral knee extension issues is denied as it occurred after August 11, 2010. Initial compensable ratings for limited extension of the left and right knees are also denied.

The Veteran's daughter is seeking various ratings and service connection for multiple conditions, but the appeal has been remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. For other conditions, including residuals of heat stroke and hypertension, additional medical examination and treatment records are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for seizures and memory loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA examinations will also address his right knee and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's seizure disability has been rated at 80% since May 9, 2007. He is also granted a TDIU due to his service-connected seizure disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for a seizure disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has ordered the case REMANDED for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected multiple sclerosis, seizure disorder, and optic neuritis result in a need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fainting spells/seizures had an onset during service and is granted service connection. The claim for vertigo remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.