Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current Multiple Sclerosis is etiologically related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hypothyroidism, COPD, a neurological condition (to include multiple sclerosis), and uveitis, are not related to service or any presumptive exposure. As such, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis and related secondary conditions was denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to active duty service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, which he claims is a presumptive condition due to symptoms experienced within seven years of separation from service. The VA has not obtained the Social Security Administration's disability determination and supporting medical records for the appellant.

The Board has determined that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the April 2005 rating decision denying service connection for multiple sclerosis, and thus the effective date of March 19, 2008 is correct. The claim cannot be granted earlier than this date.

The Board has determined that a more complete evaluation of the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is required to determine if he is entitled to an increased rating. The case is therefore being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's spouse requires regular aid and attendance due to her physical disabilities, including MS, carpal tunnel syndrome, congestive heart failure, and arthritis. The decision grants special monthly compensation (SMC) for this need.

The Board found that the Veteran's current multiple sclerosis is presumed incurred in service, as it manifested to a compensable degree within seven years after separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance at the higher level due to his Multiple Sclerosis was granted effective October 12, 2004.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis. The Veteran currently has a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA medical examination to assess her need for aid and attendance or housebound status based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling examinations, and readjudicating his claims.

The Board found that multiple sclerosis was not manifested in service or within seven years following the veteran's discharge from active duty, and the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding of a nexus between his multiple sclerosis and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of immunization poisoning, finding no evidence of a current disability related to in-service vaccinations. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is related to his active duty for training and has granted service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, and residuals of cold injury to the feet. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records from various healthcare providers.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain Social Security Administration records and treatment records from various sources. Additionally, a VA examination is required to determine if it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis manifested in service or within 7 years of discharge.