Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for TBI, Seizure Disorder, Right Knee Condition, Left Knee Condition, and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (including Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Disturbances, and Anxiety). The decision also denied service connection for Psoriasis.,There was no evidence of a direct relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability was reopened and granted. The claims for toxic optic neuropathy, right hip osteonecrosis, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, muscle spasms of the neck, back, arms, fingers, legs and toes, seizure disorder, migraine headaches, right thigh disability, bone disorder, brain tumor, neurological disabilities of the upper extremities, and service connection for a left knee disability are all granted.,The Veteran's toxic optic neuropathy is secondary to his service-connected pain disorder and depression with history of self-medicating with alcohol. His right hip osteonecrosis is also secondary to his service-connected pain disorder and depression with history of self-medicating with alcohol. The bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, muscle spasms of the neck, back, arms, fingers, legs and toes, seizure disorder, migraine headaches, right thigh disability, bone disorder, brain tumor, neurological disabilities of the upper extremities are all secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination by a neurologist and additional information regarding the competency of the examiner who provided the January 2022 opinion. The Veteran is also requested to provide information about his headaches, which may be related to seizures.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further examinations. The Veteran's participation in mixed martial arts while in service is a possible factor, but more evidence is needed.

The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from February 2, 2007 to August 9, 2007 due to his service-connected seizure disorder. The combined rating of his disabilities met the criteria for TDIU.

The veteran has withdrawn her appeals for increased ratings and TDIU, so these issues are dismissed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection of a seizure disorder and granted it. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct an examination.

The Veteran's seizure disorder rating was restored from 20 percent to 40 percent effective September 1, 2012. A higher rating is denied as the evidence does not show at least one major seizure in four months over the last year or nine minor seizures per week.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a seizure disorder, finding that there was no causal or etiological link between her current disability and her military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for post traumatic grand mal seizures, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and aid and attendance allowance for spouse as they have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The TDIU issue is remanded due to lack of employment history and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current epilepsy had its onset during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which are service-connected under direct criteria.,The Veteran's cervical spine/neck disability, residuals of head injury, migraines, seizure disorder, lumbar spine disability, disabilities of the bilateral upper extremities, to include shoulder, arm, and radiculopathy, as well as left ear hearing loss, remain in appellate status.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, seizures, memory loss, hearing loss, and high cholesterol as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during periods of ACDUTRA or were related to such.,The appellant's statements regarding his belief in a nexus between his current conditions and military service were found to be insufficient due to lack of medical expertise.

The Board has remanded three claims: service connection for seizure disorder, functional vision loss in the left eye, and bilateral blindness. The Veteran's testimony and medical records indicate he was involved in a head injury during service which may have contributed to his current conditions.

The Veteran's back disorder and Schatzki's ring with difficulty swallowing are service-connected. However, the claim for diabetes mellitus, Type II is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.,Seizures have not been diagnosed in post-service records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, rating for seizure disorder, and rating for migraine headaches due to incomplete rationale in previous VA examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to provide additional medical records and for new VA examinations to determine the etiology of his seizure disorder and gastrointestinal disorders. The claims are also remanded for TDIU consideration.

The claim of service connection for head trauma and seizure disorder has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's eye disability, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.