Multiple sclerosis Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred or aggravated during active duty service and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's optic neuritis resulted in right eye corrected visual acuity of 20/400 and left eye visual acuity of 20/20, which does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide. The Board found insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the disease and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly multiple sclerosis and associated weakness of the right upper extremity and left and right lower extremity, result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Veteran has permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss or use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum to the VA examination report and requesting clarification on when symptoms of multiple sclerosis were manifested within seven years after service.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis did not manifest within 7 years of her discharge from service and thus denied service connection for this condition. The Board also noted that there was no medical evidence linking the in-service symptoms to multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development. The Veteran testified that his service-connected multiple sclerosis has worsened, including symptoms such as mood swings, impaired bowel movements, and memory loss.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for various MS-related disabilities, including lower extremity weakness and bladder issues. The RO assigned separate disability ratings for each manifestation of the Veteran's MS.

The Board found that the April 23, 2002 rating decision denying service connection for Multiple Sclerosis did not contain clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The evidence at the time of the decision showed no diagnosis of MS within seven years of discharge.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and SMC are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's MS was initially rated at 30 percent from August 29, 2006 through April 13, 2008. Beginning on April 14, 2008, the Veteran's headaches were found to warrant a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether separate ratings are warranted for various manifestations of her service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran seeks service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, which he claims is related to his military service and exposure to Agent Orange. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis began within seven years of his separation from service, and thus grants service connection on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for neurological and cognitive impairment residuals due to traumatic brain injury, as well as behavioral residuals including major depression, were denied. The evidence did not support the assignment of a compensable evaluation.

The Board has restored service connection for the Veteran's multiple sclerosis and cognitive impairment, as well as entitlement to a TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The effective date remains unchanged at June 24, 2005.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis, but has remanded the case to consider additional evidence and provide a medical opinion.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred in active service and cannot be presumed to have been incurred during service. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or an applicable presumptive period, and the claim is denied.

The Veteran's severe stomach cramps/constipation due to his service-connected disabilities constituted a medical emergency of such nature that he could reasonably conclude delay would have been hazardous to life or health. The closest VA facility was not feasibly available, and the Board grants entitlement to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.