Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2001

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to her multiple sclerosis, as she is able to perform many activities of daily living independently.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis on a presumptive basis, as the veteran was diagnosed with the condition within seven years of her separation from active service.

The Board granted increased evaluations for diplopia and left upper extremity weakness, but denied the remaining claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased apportionment of his VA compensation benefits in excess of $150 per month, finding that the evidence does not establish a demonstrable need for such apportionment due to financial hardship.

The Board denied service connection for multiple sclerosis in an October 1985 decision, finding that the evidence did not show findings of multiple sclerosis until many years after service. The August 1980 rating decision was subsumed by this decision and is therefore considered final.

The Board has determined that the RO's December 12, 1988 rating decision denying entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 314(r) was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board denied service connection for multiple sclerosis in April 1991, and the veteran did not appeal. The claim was reopened on September 16, 1993, and granted effective from that date.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis and granted it as the evidence shows that the condition had its onset within the seven-year presumptive period after service.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 5, 1997, was denied. The Board found that the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability has occurred is January 18, 1996.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected multiple sclerosis, but the RO failed to provide a proper examination and consider all applicable diagnostic codes. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA neurology examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The RO was directed to obtain additional treatment records, conduct VA examinations, and consider the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was found to have begun during his military service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for Multiple Sclerosis effective from January 30, 2001. The veteran's claim was originally received on January 30, 1992.