Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's seizure disorder, and readjudicating both the increased rating claim and the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's emergency medical services at St. Mary's Hospital were authorized by VA prior to admission, and the Board finds that the criteria for payment or reimbursement of private medical expenses are met.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or materially contribute to his death, and that there was no evidence of VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. Therefore, the claim for DIC due to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all pending appeals.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion to address secondary service connection for cervical spine disability and seizure disorder.

The Veteran seeks service connection for seizure disorder associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board finds remand is required to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Veteran's active duty service was for more than 30 days and he was discharged due to a service-connected condition (meningoencephalitis with secondary seizure). The Board found that his discharge was due to a service-connected disability, thus granting basic eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder has been found to be the primary cause of his right and left knee disorders, warranting a grant of service connection for these conditions. The Veteran is also granted an increased rating for his left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant and his representative, thus all claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2016 is being remanded as the evidence suggests that he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for additional clothing allowances is denied as the devices causing damage to his clothing are not used in conjunction with a service-connected disability.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding the claims of service connection for a traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the issues of service connection for various conditions, including TBI and its related disabilities. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including a supplemental medical opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed seizures and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Kansas National Guard and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, AVM, seizures, headaches, dizziness, and back disorder. The Veteran's scarring of the scalp was granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the rate under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) has been granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which include mood disorder, depression and dementia associated with multiple sclerosis, right eye optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, and seizure disorder associated with multiple sclerosis. The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance as a result of these conditions.