Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for multiple sclerosis and all related secondary conditions due to lack of evidence establishing the presence or onset of these conditions during service.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for his increased ratings, but the Board finds that no increase in disability was factually ascertainable prior to the assigned effective dates.,The Veteran's bowel dysfunction and bladder issues were not shown to warrant higher ratings until after the assigned effective dates.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and Headaches, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and multiple sclerosis, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the right knee claim and concluding that there is insufficient evidence linking the neurological disability (including multiple sclerosis) to service or any other condition.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis is rated at 40 percent for the right upper extremity and 30 percent for the left upper extremity since August 27, 2013. The lower extremities are rated at 20 percent each.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for Multiple Sclerosis and Depression as secondary to Multiple Sclerosis are both denied, with no new evidence provided to reopen the claim.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of multiple sclerosis, a dental condition, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, and hypertension. The Board also remanded several issues related to knee disabilities, neurological abnormalities, and head trauma.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, Special Monthly Compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, and Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability due to a lack of clarity regarding when the Veteran's symptoms of MS manifested within seven years of his discharge from service.

The Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis was present within 7 years of separation from service, meeting the presumptive criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claims are reopened as new evidence supports reopening, but no rating or effective date is assigned yet.

The Board denied service connection for redundant penile skin with corrective surgery for hypospadia, headaches, erectile dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and depression. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (redundant penile skin) while others were not (headaches, erectile dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, depression).

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Multiple Sclerosis was denied as there was no communication or action indicating intent to apply for benefits prior to December 12, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MS render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Multiple Sclerosis is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's MS had its onset during his active duty and is related to his military service.

The June 16, 1987 rating decision did not consider service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and did not assign a separate compensable disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's appeal is granted as there was new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including multiple sclerosis with bilateral lower extremity paresthesias and loss of use of both lower extremities, meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status, as his non-service connected multiple sclerosis and muscle disorders are the primary causes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for seizure disorder, fatigue (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome), headaches (claimed as migraines), and multiple sclerosis due to a lack of verified military service. The preponderance of evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and higher ratings was dismissed due to withdrawal. The RO granted a 20% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, PTSD prior to May 21, 2012, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for upper back and acquired psychiatric disorder disabilities was dismissed.,Service connection is granted for multiple sclerosis, erectile dysfunction as secondary to multiple sclerosis, and urinary tract infection as secondary to multiple sclerosis.