Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for multiple sclerosis was denied as the disability is currently rated at 30 percent and adequate criteria are present to rate it under that code.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is considered in the adjudication of the Veteran's claims. Specifically, missing VA treatment records and incomplete examination reports are noted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis and whether it is related to his presumed herbicide exposure during service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and secondary service connection for left ulnar neuropathy to her service-connected shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for supraspinatus tendinosis of the left shoulder was not adjudicated as it is a separate issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, and did not manifest to a compensable degree within seven years of separation from service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is not shown to have resulted in any additional limitation of motion or functional impairment that would warrant a higher rating than the current 10 percent. The claim for service connection for pain in the lower legs has been remanded.