Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not present to a compensable degree during service or within the first seven years after discharge, and the preponderance of the competent medical evidence is against finding her multiple sclerosis was incurred in or otherwise the result of her active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. His claim for service connection for MS is granted, but his TDIU claim is moot due to the grant of a 100% rating for coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is service-connected due to an in-service injury, and her depressive disorder is secondary to a service-connected condition. The reduction of the rating for the right knee disability was improper.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that there was no competent evidence linking his current condition to his active duty or any other period of service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis are related to her service, with the optic neuritis being secondary to her service-connected multiple sclerosis. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis was manifested to a compensable degree within seven years of his period of active service, warranting presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent effective January 2, 2008.,Service connection for sinusitis and left shoulder bursitis has been established. Service connection for multiple sclerosis is also established.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have multiple sclerosis and denied service connection for all secondary conditions claimed as they are not caused by or permanently made worse by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination of the intestines and retrieval of recent outpatient treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the appellant's current multiple sclerosis manifested during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA). The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining additional medical records and an opinion from a VA medical professional.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is at least as likely as not related to service, given its manifestation within seven years of separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis had its onset within the initial 7-year period following active military service and is granted service connection. The issue of hearing loss disability remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis had its onset during active service and is related to her urinary loss, falling issues, balance issues, compromised coordination issues, fatigue, visual disturbances, pulmonary issues, cognitive loss, and weakened muscles. The breast cancer claim was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis existed prior to service and was aggravated by active service, granting his claim of service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent for his bilateral upper and lower extremities, or a higher rating for his optic neuritis.

The Veteran is entitled to an additional monthly allowance of SMC at the rate under subsection (r)(1) based on his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis and need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 15, 1999 for the grant of service connection for multiple sclerosis is granted. The case is remanded to assign appropriate ratings and determine effective dates for special monthly compensation and DEA.