Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2014

The Board denied both the earlier effective date claim for service connection of Multiple Sclerosis and the CUE motion in the October 1997 rating decision. The Veteran's application to reopen his claim was granted on February 11, 2009, but an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms of multiple sclerosis did not manifest during service or within seven years after separation, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis may be presumed to have been incurred in service, given all doubts resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran meets the basic service eligibility requirements for a VA nonservice-connected disability pension due to his active duty during a period of war. The claim is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis did not have its onset during any period of active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current state of his multiple sclerosis disability, including any additional manifestations such as muscle tone abnormalities, joint function issues, and bladder or bowel functional impairment. The RO will also consider whether these additional manifestations warrant separate disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a January 1969 complaint of numbness over the lateral portion of the left thigh and a study indicating higher MS mortality rates among Camp Lejeune veterans. The case will be reconsidered in light of this new information.

The Board is remanding the case to verify the Veteran's service dates, specifically his ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA in November 1983, as this may affect whether he can establish service connection for multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's MS with associated bilateral visual impairment is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and determined that the Veteran's symptoms were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him bedridden or so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for multiple sclerosis and its manifestations was granted, with the highest rating of 90 percent effective March 22, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal of the left and right punctured eardrums claim has been withdrawn. The remaining claims for service connection are addressed.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis and whether it was related to service or within the presumptive period following separation from active duty. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The Board also found that the claim for TDIU was denied due to lack of service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and multiple sclerosis. The case is being remanded due to substantial non-compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, ulcerative colitis, and recurrent lumbosacral strain have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The Board has dismissed these issues.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for multiple sclerosis, as it was not present during service or within one year after separation. The appellant's claim is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, a skin condition (chloracne), hyperlipidemia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision was based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs a platform lift to access his basement for safety during inclement weather, routine maintenance, and use of heating and cooling systems. The decision grants this request as it aligns with the goal of promoting independence in daily life.