Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2000

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 80 percent for the veteran's epilepsy with headaches, effective from August 31, 1994. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records from Social Security Administration and clarifying the appellant's preference regarding a hearing. The claim of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the seizure disorder claim is considered on appeal.

The veteran's low back disorder is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, effective from May 4, 1995. Service connection has been granted for PTSD and seizure disorder.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a seizure disorder and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is incurred in service and has granted service connection. The claim for seizure disorder, which was previously denied, has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The appellant is entitled to payment of special monthly compensation at the rate prescribed by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(p) from July 25, 1991 to May 20, 1992 based on an erroneous award notification letter.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and a seizure disorder, both claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure in service. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for headaches on a secondary basis is not well-grounded and therefore denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a seizure disorder with dizziness, loss of memory and slurred speech due to new evidence. However, there is no direct medical evidence linking this condition to military service. The claim for PTSD was not well-grounded as there is no competent medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a seizure disorder, concluding that no new and material evidence had been submitted to alter the previous determinations.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is able to dress, undress himself, keep himself clean, attend to his needs, and leave home with assistance.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, with chronic brain syndrome and epileptic seizures is not well grounded due to lack of medical evidence supporting his claims.

The Board found that the veteran's overpayment was not due to fraud, misrepresentation or bad faith. The veteran has a history of cognitive difficulties and mental health issues which affected his understanding of financial matters.

The VA determined that the appellant's claim for service connection of a seizure disorder was not well-grounded, as there is no current diagnosis of a seizure disorder.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for a seizure disorder, residuals of shrapnel wounds, and residuals of frostbite injury. The evidence did not establish a clear link between these conditions and service.