Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2000

The veteran's epilepsy, grand mal seizures were previously rated at 100% and reduced to 40%. The Board finds that the reduction was improper due to lack of material improvement in seizure activity.

The veteran's claim was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA medical examinations, which is a requirement under VA regulations.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a well-grounded claim for service connection of a seizure disorder, eye disability, or leg disability as secondary to his service-connected paranoid schizophrenia. The claims were denied.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the appellant's akinetic seizures, finding that at least one major seizure occurred in the last two years. The headaches and memory loss residuals were rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the appellant's requests to reopen his claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to care for himself and engage in most of the activities of daily living.

The Board finds that the appellant's service-connected status post herpes encephalitis with seizure disorder, which includes seizures occurring no more than once every three months over the past year, approximates the level of severity for an 80 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 8910. Therefore, the initial 80 percent disability rating is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired seizure disorder and TDIU. The claim of service connection was not well-grounded due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, seizure disorder, and residuals of mustard gas exposure are all service-connected based on direct evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches and a seizure disorder. The Board found that there was no medical evidence establishing a link between her current conditions and the inservice head injury.

The Board has granted service connection for a seizure disorder and denied an increased rating for left knee arthritis. The veteran's seizures are linked to his inservice motor vehicle accident, while the left knee arthritis is currently rated at 10%.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for headaches with seizures, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a hiatal hernia, seizure disorder, throat disability and chest disability are not well-grounded. As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that the claim is well-grounded and grants service connection for chronic head injury residuals including a seizure disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), dementia, and seizure disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.