The veteran's claim for an increase in the rating for narcolepsy was denied because service connection for the condition was severed on March 31, 2001, and a retroactive increase is not allowed after basic entitlement has been terminated.
The deciding factor: Service connection for the narcolepsy with cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnogogic hallucinations was severed on March 31, 2001, which precludes a retroactive increase in rating.
- Claimed conditions
- narcolepsy with cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnogogic hallucinations
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2008
- Citation
- 0832640
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0832640.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected narcolepsy with cataplexy requires regular aid and attendance, resulting in a finding of need for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with parasomnia and sleep paralysis is granted as service connected, with the presumption that it began during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for service-connected narcolepsy with cataplexy is remanded due to insufficient examination details and the need for a new VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal was dismissed for the duty to assist errors identified during Higher-Level Reviews of narcolepsy with cataplexy and obstructive sleep apnea claims, but remanded for further development on other service connection claims.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.