Epilepsy & seizure disorders Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic seizure disorder is etiologically related to his service, including head injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board has restored the appellant's seizure disorder disability rating from 20% to 80%, effective August 1, 2008. The VA is now required to consider his claim for an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for cause of death, but it is not clear whether the Veteran's seizure disorder contributed substantially and materially to his death.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's April 2007 stroke and seizures, including whether they are related to his service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension or anti-coagulant medication for peripheral vascular disease.

The Board denied service connection for epilepsy, as the Veteran's pre-existing condition was not aggravated by service. The claims of service connection for residuals of an in-service injury to the right side of the body and a head injury were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues include reopening his claim of service connection for sterility and various other conditions.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches, seizures, blackouts and blurred vision, as well as depression secondary to the same. The decision found that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions likely existed prior to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including epilepsy and periodontal disease resulting from dilantin hyperplasia, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding Social Security Administration records and other necessary actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, are not related to service or exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special home adaptation grant due to his blindness in both eyes or loss of use of both hands.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a seizure disorder due to new and material evidence submitted by the Appellant. However, the criteria for nonservice-connected pension benefits have not been met as the Appellant's service does not meet the threshold eligibility requirements.,A VA neurological examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Appellant's seizure disorder(s).

The Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records, including SSA disability determination and personnel file. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a seizure disorder. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining Navy Reserve records and VA treatment records, is necessary before the claim can be decided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of clear and unmistakable error in his initial 40 percent rating for grand mal epilepsy, finding that the evidence did not clearly and unmistakably show more than one major seizure per month over any given year.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not currently have a seizure disorder and thus, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seizure and cervical spine disorders are related to his service-connected head wounds, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's son, K. L. L., was not shown to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday and is therefore not recognized as the 'helpless child' of the Veteran.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred for emergency medical services provided at a non-VA facility on January 14, 2009 were denied as he did not receive prior authorization and the treatment was not related to a service-connected condition.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a failure to timely file a substantive appeal, despite a statement of the case having been provided in October 2004.