Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2013

The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's multiple sclerosis.

The Board is requesting additional medical records to determine if the appellant qualifies as a surviving spouse of the Veteran based on continuous cohabitation, despite a period of separation due to the Veteran's condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling a new examination by a neurologist.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed Multiple Sclerosis.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for MS with weakness of the lower extremities and determined that it was incurred in service.

The Board has requested a VA neurologic examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's multiple sclerosis. The Veteran failed to report for the scheduled examinations due to transportation issues and family obligations, which constitutes good cause. She is advised to appear for any rescheduled examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and denied her claim for service connection for defective vision. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen both claims, but did not find any basis for granting service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for multiple sclerosis was denied, but the claim was reopened and granted on October 25, 2004.,SMC at a higher rate for loss of use of one foot from October 25, 2004 to February 11, 2010 was granted. SMC at a higher rate for loss of use of one hand and one foot beginning February 11, 2010 was also granted.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records from his period of reserve service with the Navy (October 1976 to October 1982). The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is related to her active service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar myofascial pain syndrome is manifested by significant muscle spasms and guarding that result in abnormal gait or spinal contour, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.

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

The Veteran's service-connected fecal incontinence is rated at 60 percent effective January 24, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis, including numbness of the lower extremities, had its onset during her period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) from September 1982 to June 1983 and is therefore service-connected.

The Board denied reopening the claims for multiple sclerosis and acne and acne scarring due to lack of new and material evidence.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis manifested during service or within an applicable presumptive period, and there is no indication of an association between his multiple sclerosis and any aspect of his service. The Board concludes that VA has no duty to provide an examination or obtain an expert opinion in this case.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple sclerosis, anemia, bilateral knee disabilities, and a right hip disability. The case has been remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination.