Epilepsy & seizure disorders Board decisions

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of the need for regular aid and attendance was granted, as he is housebound due to his service-connected grand mal epilepsy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's seizure disability did not originate during his military service and is therefore denied.

The veteran's seizure disorder was rated at 20 percent from December 21, 1994 to July 25, 1995 and at 10 percent thereafter. The RO denied the claim for an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for grand mal epilepsy was denied, but his claim for service connection for dysthymic disorder prior to July 20, 1999 was granted with a 10% evaluation effective from that date. The total unemployability claim is not addressed in this decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his seizure disorder and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The appeals are currently pending.

The veteran's application for an annual clothing allowance was denied because the evidence did not demonstrate that his service-connected disabilities caused him to wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance which tended to wear out his clothing, or that he used medication due to a service-connected skin disorder resulting in irreparable damage to his outer garments.

The veteran's disability manifested by epilepsy is due to an injury that was incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that there is no relationship between the appellant's service-connected right leg disability and his seizure disorder, thus denying the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current seizure disorder as a result of medication prescribed by VA in November 1998. The preponderance of evidence shows no such disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, respiratory disability including sarcoidosis, joint pain, skin condition, and headaches have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or onset within one year of separation.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for epilepsy, but it is unclear whether new and material evidence was submitted. The case will be remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other relevant regulations.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The RO denied this claim, finding that there was no evidence to support a request for earlier TDIU effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and a rating greater than 10 percent for hyperglycemia with seizures prior to July 23, 1998. The RO granted her a rating of 20 percent for hyperglycemia with seizures effective July 23, 1998.

The Board has determined that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 18, based on the lack of evidence showing such incapacity at or before his 18th birthday.

The Board found that the veteran's seizure disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, it denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's seizure disorder does not require regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform all aspects of self-care. The veteran was denied special monthly compensation benefits.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for neurological disabilities caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's seizure disorder is rated at 80 percent effective February 19, 1972.,The veteran's sinusitis is rated at 10 percent effective June 22, 1992.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.