The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression), but denied reopening of his claims for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension.,VA examinations are required to determine if MS had onset during or is otherwise related to the Veteran's active service, and whether an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression) is caused by or aggravated by MS.
The deciding factor: The new evidence submitted includes lay statements from the Veteran and his spouse indicating in-service onset of symptoms that have continued over time. The Board finds these statements sufficient to reopen the claims for service connection, but VA examinations are needed to determine causation and aggravation.,VA examinations are required as the current medical evidence does not provide a clear opinion on whether MS had onset during or is otherwise related to the Veteran's active service, and whether an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression) is caused by or aggravated by MS.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (claimed as Depression)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23017052
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 23017052.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
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