Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2005

The Board denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and the propriety of the initial 50% rating assigned for PTSD. The veteran's Multiple Sclerosis was not related to his military service, and the appeal on PTSD is based on new evidence.

The veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected Multiple Sclerosis, rated at 100 percent disabling, has resulted in the loss of use of one lower extremity and residuals affecting balance or propulsion, necessitating the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair for locomotion.

The Board found that the veteran does not have Multiple Sclerosis attributable to his military service, as there is no evidence of symptoms or diagnosis during or within seven years after service. The Board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence was against the claim.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an examination. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple sclerosis did not begin during his military service and could not be presumed to have begun due to exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The evidence showed that the symptoms of MS began in 1993, more than seven years after discharge from active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran is competent for VA benefits purposes and restored his competency status.

The veteran's claim for an extension of her delimiting date for Chapter 30 educational benefits was denied because the evidence did not show that she had a physical or mental disability preventing her from initiating or completing an educational program during her basic eligibility period.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death, resulting in a denial.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis, as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after his separation from service.

The veteran's claim for additional special monthly compensation based on the need for a higher level of care at the rate specified under Section 1114(r)(2) was denied by the RO due to lack of evidence showing that his wife, who provides daily care, is licensed or supervised by a health-care professional.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete notification and development of evidence.