Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2015

The Board denied earlier effective dates for PTSD and loss of use of both lower extremities, claimed as Multiple Sclerosis. The Veteran argued that he should have received an earlier effective date due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for multiple sclerosis, lumbar spine disability, bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy, and PTSD are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity weakness associated with MS were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for white matter lesions and multiple sclerosis due to exposure to ionizing radiation during military service. For PTSD, the Veteran's disability is rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis were manifest during active service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders, knee and ankle injuries, a muscle disorder, diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an anxiety disorder. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development regarding his service connection claim, specifically considering whether his Multiple Sclerosis is related to herbicide exposure. The AOJ will develop the evidence and determine if there was any in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for Multiple Sclerosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is not related to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, finding that it was manifested to a compensable degree within seven years after his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to his request for a hearing at the RO, and the case is now pending further action.

The Veteran's metastatic bladder cancer and multiple sclerosis were not found to be related to service or exposure to herbicides, and therefore denied for service connection.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis was presumed to have been incurred in service as it first manifested within the applicable time limit following his discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected multiple sclerosis and its manifestations meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU from July 12, 2005 to September 16, 2008. The Board also found that these disabilities prevented her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to unclear nature of left lower extremity weakness and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional substantive development, specifically obtaining Social Security Administration disability records.

The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis as it did not manifest within seven years after discharge from active duty.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to a lack of compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be readjudicated based on all evidence of record.