Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected multiple sclerosis is manifested by ascertainable residuals, but without impairment so as to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis is not shown to be related to his military service or the presumptive period following service, and the Board finds that attributing the disability to service would require speculation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and found that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the onset of the Veteran's current MS.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple sclerosis was granted. However, her claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees were denied.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity disabilities due to multiple sclerosis are currently rated at 40 percent each, reflecting moderate impairment in both arms. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as a helpless child of his father due to lack of evidence showing he was permanently incapable of self-support at age 18.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis was received by the RO on January 14, 1982. The Board finds that the correct effective date is January 14, 1982.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for multiple sclerosis with right wrist paresthesias and right upper extremity tremors is June 9, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis and left eye disorder are service-connected, with no need for special monthly compensation due to aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis as it did not become manifest during or within one year after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates in all three issues, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the May 1990 rating decision denying service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, and that the evidence did not show manifestations of multiple sclerosis within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has determined that the evidence supports the Veteran's claim and finds that his multiple sclerosis was compensably manifested within the seven-year presumptive period. Therefore, he is entitled to service connection for multiple sclerosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a request for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for Multiple Sclerosis is granted, as there is medical evidence indicating that his symptoms during service were consistent with early signs of MS.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not competent to handle her VA benefits due to her mental incapacity.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain medical records and clarify Dr. Brown's opinion regarding the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis, as well as a VA neurologist's opinion on whether service connection is warranted for cause of death due to Multiple Sclerosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's service connection for multiple sclerosis/subcortical white matter changes has been granted. The Veteran was awarded a noncompensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, and a separate 10 percent evaluation for scar status post basal cell carcinoma removal of the left ear. A 30 percent evaluation is assigned for the same scar condition as of April 4, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis had its onset during her active service and grants service connection for this condition.