Service connection for Multiple Sclerosis is granted, and special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the bilateral lower extremities is also granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that MS manifested within seven years after separation from active service, meeting the presumptive period for service connection. The Veteran's symptoms affected his balance and precluded propulsion, which aligns with the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of both feet.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- August 27, 2019
- Citation
- 19166171
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19166171.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that it manifested to a degree of 10 percent or more within seven years of the Veteran's separation from service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for multiple sclerosis and remanded the claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain additional evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's death was due to multiple sclerosis, which may have been caused by in-service herbicide exposure.
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