Epilepsy & seizure disorders Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left radius disability is rated at 10 percent, the acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred in service or due to a presumptive condition, sinusitis with septal deformity was not related to service, back and neck spasms and seizures with facial numbness are not related to service, double hernia with stomach muscles deformity were not related to service, and asbestos-related disease and bilateral shoulder disability were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed grand mal epilepsy, finding that it represents an incurred disability during his active military service.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required to properly address the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and seizures as a result of a head injury. This includes obtaining missing service treatment records, personnel records, and VA medical records; providing proper VCAA notice regarding ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA periods of service; scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of his current seizures; and readjudicating the claims in light of any additional evidence obtained.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the November 1984 RO decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim for service connection for cause of death and is therefore not material. As a result, the application to reopen the claim was denied.

The Veteran's status-post craniotomy for a brain tumor and postoperative infections with residual seizures, headaches, asymmetrical hearing loss, left extremity paralysis, hair loss, skin damage, head lump, sutures, scars, discoloration and deformed skull was incurred in active service.

The Veteran's claim for an automobile and adaptive equipment is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including medical records from private physicians.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a seizure disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bipolar disorder and partial-complex seizure disorder are not related to her military service, leading to a denial of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on September 29, 2006 is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding whether the emergency treatment was provided in a medical emergency.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for myoclonic epilepsy was denied by the Board, as there is no evidence that he has averaged more than one major seizure every four months during a year.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a disorder characterized by seizures and blackouts was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's PTSD did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for the specified period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of malaria, and seizures have been denied as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of a seizure disorder, residuals of a cerebral concussion, related to the Veteran's period of active duty. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied all service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, a back disability, allergies, hepatitis, hemorrhoids, and epilepsy. The evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions of in-service or post-service connections.

The Board found that the Veteran's seizure disorder was not incurred in service and is presumed to have pre-existed service. The major depressive disorder and hepatitis C were also not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his seizure disorder and/or headaches are related to his time in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's symptoms, specifically whether they are related to active service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and reconcile conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's seizure disorder.

The Board found that the service member's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and thus denied both the claim for service connection for the cause of death and the DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for nonservice-connected pension and special monthly pension on the basis of need for aid and attendance have been granted, with the effective date set at October 24, 1991, and May 20, 2004 respectively.