The Veteran's narcolepsy with cataplexy is productive of daytime sleep episodes occurring more than ten times per week, as well as occasional episodes of cataplexy manifested as weakness in the legs. The Board has determined that a rating of 80 percent for this condition is warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's narcolepsy with cataplexy resulted in an average of at least one major seizure (narcoleptic episode) per month over the last year, which meets the criteria for a 100% evaluation under DC 8911. However, as this is not available due to the disorder being evaluated as petit mal epilepsy, and the Veteran's episodes are more akin to minor seizures, an 80% rating was assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- narcolepsy with cataplexy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- September 15, 2011
- Citation
- 1134482
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 1134482.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial disability rating of 80 percent for the service-connected narcolepsy with cataplexy, as the Veteran experiences more than ten episodes per week.
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