Multiple sclerosis Board decisions

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.

The Veteran's MS with right upper extremity weakness, left upper extremity weakness, right lower extremity weakness, and left lower extremity weakness are each rated at 20 percent prior to November 14, 2019. The rating is increased to 30 percent for the right upper extremity weakness, left upper extremity weakness, right lower extremity weakness, and left lower extremity weakness from November 14, 2019.

The Board has denied service connection for multiple sclerosis and remanded the claim of bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions obtained prior to the April 2021 rating decision were inadequate, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions. The claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) due to her service-connected disabilities, which include loss of use of both lower extremities and multiple upper extremity weaknesses. She is in need of regular aid and attendance as a result of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is granted as related to her exposure to hazardous noise during service.,Service connection for multiple sclerosis is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted effective dates of April 19, 2019 for the grants of higher ratings for bilateral lower extremity muscle weakness, a higher rating for right upper extremity muscle weakness, service connection for chronic constipation, service connection for hoarseness associated with multiple sclerosis, service connection for multiple sclerosis with adjustment disorder, mixed anxiety, and depressed mood, and service connection for voiding dysfunction associated with multiple sclerosis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran supports a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis within seven years of discharge from service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claim(s) at this time and must dismiss this appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected Multiple Sclerosis with left lower extremity impairment results in the effective loss of use of both feet, meeting the criteria for financial assistance for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on multiple sclerosis and related conditions have been dismissed as the legacy Notice of Disagreement remains pending.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 30, 2011 for the award of service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder with depressive symptoms secondary to multiple sclerosis. The issue of increased rating for insomnia and memory impairment prior to January 16, 2019 is also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis began during her active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for a 60 percent rating for service-connected bladder dysfunction because the February 2021 rating decision was not an initial decision under the AMA.