Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death due to a brain tumor, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents in service and for additional VA examinations.

The Board has dismissed all issues of entitlement to service connection as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a seizure disorder as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, finding that there is an even balance of evidence supporting this determination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,Seizure disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher than 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for blackouts, now claimed as seizures, is granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for blackouts, now claimed as seizures, and for a brain tumor.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The petition to reopen the claim of service connection for hearing loss is granted. Service connection for ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents and seizures are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and mental health disorders. The specific issues include fibromyalgia, left shoulder condition, left side back condition, cervical spine condition, left hand muscle failure, hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, total abdominal hysterectomy, skin condition, headaches (including as secondary to seizures), carpal tunnel syndromes, seizures (to include as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder), memory loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board also requested additional evidence related to the Veteran's claims for service connection based on personal assault.

The Board has denied service connection for elevated cholesterol due to the absence of a current disability. The remaining issues (epilepsy, acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, right shoulder disability, sleep apnea, tinnitus, and low back disability) are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hippocampus sclerosis syndrome with seizures and dementia (Alzheimer's Disease) have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent and 100 percent, respectively. Special monthly compensation benefits for the need for aid and attendance are also granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for seizure disorder. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for traumatic brain injury. The other claims of service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The remaining claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, seizure disability, blood clots in left hand and leg, left knee disability, sterility, and dental disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's seizure disorder ratings and TDIU claim are remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's neurocardiogenic syncope, claimed as possible psychomotor epilepsy, warrants a 40 percent disability rating since August 1, 2017.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he withdrew all his claims and appeals before the VA in a June 2019 correspondence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and an earlier effective date have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's stroke and seizures are granted as secondary to service-connected postoperative craniotomy for resection of parasagittal meningioma.,Traumatic arthritis in the right ankle is remanded due to lack of a definitive opinion on whether it is related to or aggravated by the service-connected medial collateral disruption, right knee.