Epilepsy & seizure disorders decisions — 2024

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for partial complex seizure disorder and otitis externa, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation during service. The case must be remanded to obtain STRs from the Veteran's time in Vietnam and to provide a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has a diagnosis of otitis externa and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for syncope and occipital epilepsy, which were previously denied in May 2011. The new evidence shows that these conditions began during active duty and have continued since then.

The Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder has rendered him unable to secure and follow any substantially gainful employment, as it significantly impacts his ability to work due to frequent seizures and related functional limitations. The Board granted the claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's vertigo, seizure disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability (lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis with radiculopathy), diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral eye disability, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic memory loss disability, chronic headache disability, major depressive disorder, right foot disability, right knee disability, arthritis, left foot disability, left knee disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability are not supported by evidence of record.,The Veteran's service connection claims for vertigo, seizure disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability (lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis with radiculopathy), diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral eye disability, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic memory loss disability, chronic headache disability, major depressive disorder, right foot disability, right knee disability, arthritis, left foot disability, left knee disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seizure disorder is not related to his service and denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for epilepsy, finding that the Veteran's current seizure disorder is not related to his in-service head injury and did not manifest within one year of separation from active duty.,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as secondary to epilepsy. The Board found no evidence linking such condition to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for TBI and seizures due to incomplete records and the need for further medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a seizure disorder, an acquired psychiatric condition (other than PTSD), and PTSD. However, the claims were denied as there is no evidence of a permanent worsening of pre-existing conditions during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service, and needs further investigation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia, seizure disorder, and sleep disorder (insomnia), finding no evidence of a current diagnosis or etiological relationship to his active duty service.