The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for narcolepsy based on the evidence showing no more than 4 cataplectic (narcoleptic) episodes per week and never experiencing a major seizure.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the frequency of the Veteran's cataplectic episodes, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- narcolepsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 27, 2025
- Citation
- A25028465
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's effective date for the award of an 80 percent rating for narcolepsy is granted from August 11, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for narcolepsy due to seemingly contradictory findings in a January 2024 VA examination report that cannot be resolved through consideration of other evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a neck condition, bilateral elbow condition, bilateral hip condition, bilateral ankle condition, and narcolepsy due to inadequate VA examinations and potential pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for narcolepsy, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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.