Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disorder, including peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis, due to herbicide exposure has been dismissed as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Board denied the reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, Right Elbow Disorder, and Left Hip Disorder. The Veteran's claim for Multiple Sclerosis was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection was also denied for the Right Elbow Disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability within one year following discharge from service or within seven years after separation.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection established for multiple conditions including multiple sclerosis with rosacea, pain, weakness in all joints, optic neuritis, depression with anxiety, chronic fatigue, chronic migraines, and insomnia. Service connection was also established for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knee (claimed as right and left knee surgery with chronic pain), intervertebral disc syndrome (claimed as low back pain), and hirsutism with fibroids and ovarian cysts.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple sclerosis due to herbicide exposure is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis did not manifest during his active service or within seven years of separation, and is not related to any injury or disease in service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis first manifested within the applicable presumptive period and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for consideration of additional evidence, including VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's optic neuritis is rated at a 20 percent evaluation since December 5, 2015.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses of dyshidrotic eczema and multiple sclerosis are not related to her active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's in-service skin conditions, including heat rash, contact dermatitis, or atopic distribution follicular rash, caused her current dyshidrotic eczema. Additionally, there is no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's multiple sclerosis and her active duty service.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability ratings for her service-connected MS with urinary frequency, right lower extremity muscular atrophy with decreased strength, and left lower extremity muscular atrophy with decreased strength was not proper due to a lack of compliance with procedural requirements.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for multiple sclerosis and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance were denied. The Board found that the increase in severity of his MS was due to its natural progression, not service-connected PTSD or other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of his cervical spine condition. The claims for increased ratings of multiple sclerosis, acquired psychiatric condition, TDIU, and SMC are also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly her multiple sclerosis, rendered her unable to obtain or follow substantially gainful employment from January 15, 2008 to November 8, 2010.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision. As a result, the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for multiple sclerosis or residuals of heat injury, as the most competent and credible evidence does not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated during periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's early symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis, including intermittent arm numbness and sharp pain in the T6-10 area of his spine during service, are at least as likely as not related to his later diagnosed condition. As a result, service connection for multiple sclerosis is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's MS is rated at 30 percent, and his depressive disorder, speech disorder, IBS, bladder disorder, visual field defect, and ED are separately rated. The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings are not supported by the evidence of record.