Head Trauma years ago = Narcolepsy now?

[Firenza79]

I was in a HMMWV accident in 1989 and sustained a "closed head injury" and "head trauma".  (They did not use terms like "TBI" in those days...)  I was comatose and intubated for the first day and spent several days in the hospital.  I was recently diagnosed with Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, which can be caused by TBI's.  Would it be possible to try to service connect Narcolepsy with such a long time gap between the initial injury and this new diagnosis?  I have spent decades bouncing between doctors and specialists trying to figure out why I was so tired so I don't have a medical history specifically diagnosing Narcolepsy until 2017.  I do have all my hospital records, line of duty determination documents, etc. 

[Buck52]

Yes it is possible you can file a claim.

if you have all your medical records on this event that happen while in military.

I recommend you get a IMO/IME From a experinced specialist in this field of medicine.

you need a Specialist to read your medical records and give his/her pro opinion as the cause of your now diagnose condition and opien this condition ls likey as not related to the event that happen on (*date) from your prior military service.

if you can get that  then yes file a FDC 21-526

[Firenza79]

I just received 80% SC for my narcolepsy.  The decision took nearly a year but it was worth the wait.

[Tbird]

@Firenza79 Wonderful news!!!