Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility from January 5 to January 7, 2006 are granted as he was service-connected for multiple sclerosis and the treatment was emergent with no feasible alternative.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for multiple sclerosis, cognitive and/or psychiatric disorders, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chondromalacia of the knees, and headaches. The appeal is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis and determined that a current diagnosis exists, with evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's symptoms during active duty are consistent with multiple sclerosis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, finding that it had its onset during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being REMANDED due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include reopening of claims for bilateral hand disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, hypertension, sinus disorder, left side numbness, multiple sclerosis (MS), and a bilateral knee disorder.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at non-VA facilities on December 13, 2010; December 22, 2010; and January 4, 2011 were not covered because no VA facility was feasibly available and an attempt to use them beforehand would have been reasonable.

The Veteran's service-connected Multiple Sclerosis and related disabilities require ongoing use of wheelchairs, which causes permanent damage to his outer garments. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the year 2009 based on this finding.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum from the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, which may be related to his service-connected migraine headaches and brow ptosis. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected Multiple Sclerosis, rated at 100 percent since March 1985, qualifies the appellant for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35 of Title 38 of the United States Code.

The Veteran is granted additional special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and loss of use of both feet from July 22, 2008 to July 7, 2009.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues currently under consideration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The Veteran's overpayment of vocational rehabilitation subsistence allowance is being remanded for further action, including an audit of the total amount and consideration of mitigating circumstances due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to newly received evidence, including a September 2013 VHA opinion and the Veteran's September 2013 rebuttal statement. The issue of service connection for multiple sclerosis remains under review.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate your claim as you are no longer alive.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed multiple sclerosis did not manifest during service or within seven years of separation, and there was no evidence to support a finding that it was incurred in service. The medical opinion concluded that the Veteran likely experienced symptoms consistent with CIS (Clinically Isolated Syndrome) related to Multiple Sclerosis prior to 1983.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, and the TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is presumed to have been incurred in service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis and found that the Veteran's disability manifested to a degree of at least 10% within seven years after separation from active duty. The TDIU claim is remanded as it requires an initial rating decision on the service-connected condition.