Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2020

The Veteran's TBI, epilepsy, and migraines are granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for a skin condition is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for seizure disorder and schizophrenia. However, both issues have been remanded due to insufficient evidence on their merits.

The Board has denied service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and a Seizure Disorder, finding that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of these conditions. The claims are also remanded for further examination regarding a claimed dislocated jaw.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical findings and inextricably intertwined issues. The claims are now before the VA for further examination and development.

The Veteran's epilepsy was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The Board found that the Veteran's seizures began in 1971, which is more than one year after service and outside of the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Parkinson’s disease, seizures associated with Parkinson's disease, and right internal carotid artery blockage due to head injury. The VA is directed to obtain all outstanding treatment records and schedule appropriate examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including seizures and headaches, as well as his claim for an increased rating for right eye diplopia. The issues are being returned to VA for further review due to inadequate examination and insufficient reasoning in previous decisions.

The Veteran's adult daughter, A.G., is not recognized as his helpless child due to insufficient evidence of her permanent incapacity for self-support. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain relevant medical records and assess A.G.'s current condition.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for epilepsy, finding that there is no evidence showing a direct link between the Veteran's in-service electrocution and his current diagnosis of epilepsy.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete records and incorrect adjudication of some issues. The appellant's claim for service connection is now recharacterized to include any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected mood disorder with major depressive features and epilepsy, which prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. An earlier effective date for the award of service connection for mood disorder with major depressive features associated with epilepsy is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including polyneuropathy and diabetes mellitus, which he contends are secondary to hazardous environmental exposure at Fort McClellan. The VA will undertake further development regarding his claimed exposures.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and seizure disorder. The decision is based on direct evidence of a relationship between the conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for Bell's palsy and epilepsy due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during or related to his military service. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records, schedule a VA examination, and review the expanded record before making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his brain tumor and seizure disorder, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation based on this need.