The Board denied service connection for narcolepsy with cataplexy, finding that the Veteran's current disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The TDIU claim on an extraschedular basis under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) is remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA neurosurgeon found it less likely than not that the Veteran's diagnosed narcolepsy with cataplexy was related to any head injury or stress in service, as there were no signs and symptoms of narcolepsy until after separation from service.
- Claimed conditions
- narcolepsy with cataplexy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 25, 2021
- Citation
- 21004023
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21004023.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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