The Veteran's PLS is granted on a presumptive basis due to the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach neurologist's opinion that it is more likely than not a subset or variant of ALS. His mood disorder with depressive features is also granted as secondary to his PLS. The claim for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder post left nephrectomy remains pending and requires additional development regarding exposure to asbestos.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PLS was found to be more likely than not a subset or variant of ALS, warranting presumptive service connection under VA regulations. His mood disorder with depressive features is granted as secondary to his PLS due to the medical opinion provided by the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach neurologist.
- Claimed conditions
- primary lateral sclerosis, mood disorder with depressive features
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2014
- Citation
- 1420187
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1420187.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mood disorder with depressive features was granted, effective March 23, 2023.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an effective date of June 27, 2016, for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran was granted an initial 70 percent disability rating for a mood disorder with depressive features from June 22, 2000 until January 1, 2003 and a 100 percent rating from January 1, 2003 until January 25, 2012. The claim for an increased rating was denied for the period starting August 5, 2020.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of September 22, 2022, for service connection and increased ratings based on the Veteran's intent to file a claim received on that date.
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