Multiple sclerosis Board decisions

The case is being remanded for further development to address the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his cause of death, as well as the findings from his separation physical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claim file, which was lost. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis was granted on July 20, 1992, and the effective date is set at that time.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis was not established during or within seven years after service, and the Board finds that direct service connection is not warranted due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements regarding when he first noticed symptoms.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than November 24, 2010 for the award of SMC based on aid and attendance is not warranted as it was not factually ascertainable that the need for aid and attendance was warranted at any time within the one-year prior to November 24, 2010.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, and chronic migraines have been granted. The claim for bilateral lower extremity numbness (neuralgia) is pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of multiple sclerosis did not have its onset in service and is not related to her military service, thus denying her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative withdrew his appeal in its entirety prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected difficulty swallowing was rated at 30 percent effective January 5, 2012. The condition is characterized by episodes of gagging requiring a self-Heimlich maneuver and associated throat pain.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms reasonably appear to have been manifest within seven years of his service separation. The claim is now pending for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis was reopened and granted. The status of the psychiatric disability rating and TDIU issues is pending further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple sclerosis is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for depression as secondary to her service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis was incurred within seven years of separation from active service, and his bilateral pes cavus with plantar fasciitis warrants a 50% disability rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and service personnel records, as well as a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis, right foot paralysis, and bilateral knee disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis did not develop to a compensable level within seven years of service discharge and is not directly related to military service, including on the basis of radiation exposure or any Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the July 2009 rating decision is not final with respect to the hypertension claim due to newly associated service treatment records. The Veteran's claims for bilateral flat feet and multiple sclerosis are remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation and its potential connection to his Multiple Sclerosis. The VA is instructed to obtain relevant records, conduct a dose estimate if possible, and refer the claim for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for multiple sclerosis with urinary frequency and right and left lower extremity muscular atrophy with decreased strength are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and a bladder disorder secondary to MS. The Veteran's vision disorder is considered a symptom of her MS, and major depressive disorder is not separately service-connected.

The appellant's claim for an extension of 45 months of DEA benefits is denied as she did not suspend her education program and was not eligible for special restorative training.