Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is related to service, as evidenced by symptoms present during active duty and within seven years of separation.

The Board denied service connection for low back, right knee, and trouble seeing disabilities. The issue of bilateral foot disability is remanded.,Service connection was not granted for left knee disability due to lack of nexus.

The Veteran's service treatment records do not show he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or sarcoidosis during his active service. The Board cannot make a fully-informed decision on these issues because no VA examiner has opined whether the Veteran’s multiple sclerosis and/or sarcoidosis may be related to his active service, including the in-service anthrax vaccinations.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's increased rating claims and TDIU claim due to worsening of her service-connected disabilities, including right upper and lower extremity sensory deficits secondary to Multiple Sclerosis. The AOJ must obtain relevant medical records and ensure proper development before proceeding with adjudication.

The Veteran's service connection for multiple sclerosis is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her depressive disorder and cannabis abuse is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is not supported by evidence and therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from performing the physical and mental acts required for employment prior to March 18, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis first manifested during his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diffuse joint and muscle pain, and hypertension has been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence submitted since the September 2009 rating decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claims. However, further examination is needed to determine the etiology of her lumbar spine condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, including SSA disability benefit claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for Multiple Sclerosis as her symptoms during active duty were early manifestations of her current diagnosis.

The Veteran's request to reopen the issue of entitlement to service connection for low back disability is granted. The claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis and cervical spondylosis is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. Service connection for multiple sclerosis is remanded due to lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure.

The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including verifying the Veteran's service and obtaining all available service records. The claims of service connection for cause of death, accrued benefits based on a disability rating of 30 percent for MS, and accrued benefits based on service connection for chronic pneumonia as secondary to service-connected MS are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current multiple sclerosis is related to his service, specifically exposure to organophosphates from insecticides and pesticides used in the Bahamas. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a lack of Social Security Administration records and for a new examination regarding his migraine headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for Multiple Sclerosis on a presumptive basis as the Veteran's condition manifested within seven years of separation from active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is caused by presumed Agent Orange exposure during service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Multiple Sclerosis, a left lower extremity disorder, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder are all granted.