Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bladder dysfunction, sleep apnea, bilateral diplopia and photophobia, and erectile dysfunction due to multiple sclerosis have all been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Specifically, the Veteran's bladder dysfunction is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 8018-7512. The sleep apnea has not required use of a breathing assistance device or chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale. Bilateral diplopia and photophobia have been corrected with standard spectacle correction that included a special prismatic correction, and the Veteran had no incapacitating episodes due to his bilateral eye disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer (2 types), asthma, lesions of the left lung, and lung disease have been denied. The claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis has been reopened.

The Veteran's claim of a 70 percent rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted, effective July 3, 2019. The claims for service connection for pineal cyst of the brain, multiple sclerosis, nystagmus, sleep apnea, and hypertension are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) secondary to these conditions. The decision also denied his claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

Service connection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been granted, and a disability rating of 100 percent is assigned effective July 11, 2019.,Temporary total evaluations due to hospitalization over 21 days and treatment requiring convalescence have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to incomplete development of his Reserve Service treatment records, inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of his Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and failure to comply with previous remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple sclerosis is being reviewed again.

The Board has granted service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and Bilateral Optic Atrophy as secondary to MS. Service connection for Macular Degeneration is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for denying service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, including exposure to hazardous agents. The Veteran's claim is pending further review.

The Veteran's service connection for multiple sclerosis with neurogenic bladder was granted effective November 24, 2014. The RO found that the Veteran had symptoms of a neurogenic bladder prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus was denied, as the evidence did not support a finding that his current condition is related to military service.,Service connection for multiple sclerosis (MS) is remanded due to conflicting opinions and lack of VA examination addressing environmental exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding increased rating for MS residuals as the full benefits sought have been granted. The Veteran is entitled to SMC at the housebound rate prior to January 18, 2012. However, due to unresolved issues related to fiduciary responsibilities and benefit amounts, these matters are REMANDED.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations of various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The right shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety), and multiple sclerosis claims are still pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's symptoms of multiple sclerosis during service may be early manifestations of his current condition, and thus remands for further development to clarify the relationship between service and the current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, Churg-Strauss syndrome, esophageal cancer, multiple sclerosis, and headaches have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and thus no presumptive service connection is warranted.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim was denied as the disability did not manifest within a year of service or be related to an in-service disease or injury.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, including whether it is related to Gulf War environmental hazards.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension are currently rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines, with no further increase in rating possible.,Compensation for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is granted beginning June 15, 2018. The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities prevented him from performing the physical and mental acts required for employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he has this condition and its relationship to his military service.

The Board has not fully addressed the service connection claim for Multiple Sclerosis and requires additional examination to determine if it is related to military service.