Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2010

The Veteran seeks service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, which he claims is related to his military service and exposure to Agent Orange. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis began within seven years of his separation from service, and thus grants service connection on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for neurological and cognitive impairment residuals due to traumatic brain injury, as well as behavioral residuals including major depression, were denied. The evidence did not support the assignment of a compensable evaluation.

The Board has restored service connection for the Veteran's multiple sclerosis and cognitive impairment, as well as entitlement to a TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The effective date remains unchanged at June 24, 2005.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis, but has remanded the case to consider additional evidence and provide a medical opinion.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred in active service and cannot be presumed to have been incurred during service. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or an applicable presumptive period, and the claim is denied.

The Veteran's severe stomach cramps/constipation due to his service-connected disabilities constituted a medical emergency of such nature that he could reasonably conclude delay would have been hazardous to life or health. The closest VA facility was not feasibly available, and the Board grants entitlement to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding possible exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and whether any toxic chemicals present have been linked to his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins of the right leg has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for multiple sclerosis, but only for the period after active duty ended.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran raising a theory of entitlement related to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune, and the need for an examination regarding this claim. The Veteran's MS may be related to his service at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from Washington University.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC in excess of the 'n' rate and an earlier effective date was denied. The Board found that his disability picture did not meet the criteria for assignment of special monthly compensation in excess of the 'n' rate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was also denied. The Board found no current disability of multiple sclerosis and concluded that the Veteran did not have a compensable disability due to hemorrhoids.

The VA determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis did not warrant an increased rating beyond 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis, which was previously denied in December 1994. The current submitted evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and granted a 50 percent evaluation for the Veteran's low back disability. The claim of entitlement to an increased rating for the low back disability was also denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple sclerosis, which he contends results from exposure to herbicides in service. The claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of records.