Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis is being remanded due to a developmental error in the prior decision. The Board finds that the current medical opinions are inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's lay contentions regarding her symptoms during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of various service-connected conditions, except CFS, BPPV, and GERD, were denied. The effective dates for the awards of service connection are not earlier than January 26, 2016.

The Veteran's wheelchair use is not considered service-connected, and thus he does not qualify for a VA clothing allowance for the year 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis is at least as likely as not caused by his exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, during service. As such, the claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient clarification regarding the relationship between in-service viral infections and the Veteran's current multiple sclerosis.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and Headaches, as there is insufficient evidence to make a decision on these claims without an examination.

The Board denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, finding that the Veteran's current disability did not have its onset during an eligible period of active service or a presumptive period after an eligible period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss, and an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation regarding service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to address the onset and etiology of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis, as the previous VA examination was inadequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and housebound status due to his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis. The evidence did not support a finding that he needed regular aid and assistance or was permanently housebound solely due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and major depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple sclerosis is granted as the condition was incurred during active duty training (ACDUTRA). The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability, in-service incurrence of symptoms, and a nexus between the two.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for multiple sclerosis and granted evaluations of 40 percent, 30 percent, and 20 percent for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic) respectively. The Board also denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for voiding dysfunction and loss of bowel control.

The Board denied a separate disability rating for short-term memory loss as a residual manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), finding that the Veteran's symptoms were attributable to his service-connected PTSD and MDD, rather than MS.

The Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing and automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to her service-connected multiple sclerosis. The issue of a special home adaptation grant has been dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status as he is not permanently confined to his dwelling and immediate premises due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's MS residuals, including bilateral leg weakness, bilateral arm weakness, erectile dysfunction, and neurogenic bladder, are rated separately under appropriate diagnostic codes. The rating for MS is replaced by separate ratings for these specific disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran had multiple sclerosis within the presumptive period from his separation from service and whether such disability was manifest to at least a compensable degree at that time.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, finding that new evidence submitted since the last denial supports a finding of in-service onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the 'low threshold' necessary to establish entitlement to a VA medical examination in connection with the Veteran's claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis has been satisfied. A remand is warranted to correct this pre-decisional duty to assist error.