Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected complex partial epilepsy with left temporal focus and residuals of a right distal fibula fracture render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's seizures have not resulted in more than three grand mal or generalized seizures since 1995, and the Board finds that his symptomatology does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a seizure disorder (claimed as a shaking condition), fatigue, kidney disorder, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The appeals were all denied on the basis of lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a seizure disorder, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches, seizures, blackouts, and blurred vision; a scar on the left temple; and depression. The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to show that any current disabilities were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's seizure disorder has been rated at 10 percent since his claim was granted. The VA examiner found no current seizures or significant impairment, and the Board determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a compensation and pension examination to determine the nature and etiology of his seizure disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's complex partial seizures were incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any seizure disorder and psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran currently has a headache and seizure disorder, but there is no competent evidence showing a causal link between either disorder and any remote incident of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic anxiety disorder with nonepileptic seizures is related to his active service and grants this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seizures and memory loss are likely due to head injuries sustained during his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury and seizure disorder, did not cause or contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but the RO needs to obtain additional evidence and conduct further development including VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for Jacksonian-type epilepsy and will remand the case to allow for further development.