Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the tingling sensation in the Veteran's fingers, which he reported started during service and continued since, was the first manifestation of his epilepsy.

The Veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, PTSD and MDD, erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, and residuals of a head injury (headaches, epilepsy, seizures) have been granted service connection.,However, the Veteran’s claim for service connection for a right knee disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence linking his current condition to his in-service injury.

The Board denied separate compensable ratings for various disabilities associated with service-connected cognitive residuals of TBI, including a hand and arm disability, neurogenic bowel disorder, syncope, seizure disorder, and back disability (other than lumbar disc degeneration).

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to his military service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for temporal lobe epilepsy, finding that it did not arise prior to February 24, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional opinions. The Veteran's seizure disorder is being reviewed again as it may be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for epilepsy on a schedular basis is not being considered. The Board has referred the issue of extraschedular consideration to VA’s Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic headaches, and a seizure disorder (epilepsy) have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service disease or injury related to these conditions.,Service connection cannot be granted as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination regarding the appellant's mental state leading up to his discharge from service. The examiner will assess whether the appellant was insane at the time of certain offenses, including those related to seizures and traumatic brain injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, malaria, seizures, and kidney disorder. The appeals were based on direct evidence from active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for multiple sclerosis is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for chronic pain, which may be related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disorder manifesting in passing out, as they were not developed properly during previous reviews.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent evaluation for migraine headaches is granted, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's conditions to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The claim was reopened but ultimately denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for seizure disability, right hip and knee disabilities, left hip disability, and a temporary total rating. The National Personnel Records Center was instructed to search for the Veteran’s service medical and personnel records using her correct name.

The Board denied service connection for a seizure disorder, finding no evidence of seizures in service or continuous symptoms since separation. The Veteran's claim was not based on exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the claims for aneurysm residuals, seizure disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's service records are incomplete and need to be verified, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected obstructive lung disease, breathing problems, and chronic cough contributed to his death from lung cancer. The decision grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia is granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective from the date of service connection. The claims of service connection for heart condition and headaches are denied.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's seizure disorder, finding that his seizures did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient evidence of at least one major seizure in the last six months or two minor seizures in the last year.