Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is service-connected, as there is competent medical evidence showing it was present during active duty. The left shoulder disability is not considered service-connected due to its pre-existing nature and lack of aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing. The claims for service connection remain pending and will be addressed after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to address the etiology of his Multiple Sclerosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and an increased rating for his left knee disability due to additional development needed, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis, was incurred or aggravated during a period of active duty for training from June to October 1993. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed prostate cancer and throat disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis did not manifest during service or within seven years after discharge, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected Multiple Sclerosis was granted, with a combined evaluation of 70 percent. The decision addressed multiple manifestations including depression and cognitive dysfunction, Lhermitte's sign, sensory loss in the right upper extremity, sensory loss in the right lower extremity prior to January 12, 2008, and fatigue and heat intolerance.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA and private treatment records that need to be obtained, as well as a medical opinion regarding whether symptoms experienced during service or after separation were the initial manifestations of his diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's neurological symptoms are related to strokes rather than Multiple Sclerosis, and thus denied a higher rating for his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis. The claim for TDIU was also denied as his service-connected disability does not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis and depression continues, with separate evaluations assigned for each condition.

The VA has determined that a vitamin deficiency, claimed as secondary to multiple sclerosis, is not a separate disability for which service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected Multiple Sclerosis has resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities, warranting the maximum rate of special monthly compensation (SMC). Additionally, she is entitled to an additional allowance for need of regular aid and attendance due to her physical limitations.

The Veteran's MS with right lower extremity weakness and foot drop was increased to a 40 percent rating effective March 13, 2009. Prior to that date, the condition warranted a 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed multiple sclerosis is not related to service, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to the age of 18, as established by the medical records and social work assessment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is presumed to have been incurred in service due to symptoms observed within the 7 year presumptive period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Psoriasis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset of his conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and finds that new evidence submitted by the Veteran supports a finding that multiple sclerosis was first manifested within the presumptive period. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to active service.