Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2020

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for a proper medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis, including consideration of his former wife's statement and self-reported history of neck injury.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the complexity of his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis and its impact on his employment.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue, Grave's Disease, and Headaches due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and multiple sclerosis have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board has determined that these conditions are presumed related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during active duty.,The VA examiner will be requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's diagnosed diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis were incurred in or otherwise related to his service, specifically the presumed exposure to PCE, TCE, and vinyl chloride while serving at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right upper extremity weakness as of February 25, 2013 are denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total paralysis or severe incomplete paralysis in either hand at any point during this period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disorder (claimed as ataxia and multiple sclerosis) and peripheral artery disease, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service discharge. The Board also found that the Veteran did not provide sufficient credible evidence to establish a link between his current diagnoses and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis.

The Veteran's right upper extremity neurological/muscle weakness is granted as secondary to his service-connected multiple sclerosis.,His right shoulder disorder and phlegmasia alba dolens (vascular disorder) are denied, with the latter condition not currently diagnosed. Hypertension remains under review for potential secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since at least November 21, 2013. The Board finds that the criteria for entitlement to a TDIU have been met.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis as it had been granted by a prior August 2019 rating decision.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was denied with ratings of 20 percent before July 20, 2016 and 60 percent beginning July 20, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional information and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The claims include multiple sclerosis, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral inguinal hernias.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis and remanded it for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, and neuromyelitis optica due to an indication of an association with his military service. The Veteran was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for MS, brain lesions, cognitive disorder, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder are granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran has additional disabilities secondary to his service-connected MS, including vision disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, bladder and bowel dysfunction, foot drop, gait and imbalance issues, muscle spasms, left hand disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for multiple sclerosis with loss of use of feet has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was incurred during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA), and thus service connection is granted.

Service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity is granted. Service connection for Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity is remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is reopened and remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset, nature, and etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of Multiple Sclerosis is dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.