Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2000

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis with monoclonal gammopathy and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, effective from February 1998.

The Board finds that the veteran's multiple sclerosis likely had its inception during her active duty for training in March 1991, and affords her the benefit of the doubt, finding service connection is warranted.

The veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation was granted, with a combined 100 percent schedular rating based on his service-connected multiple sclerosis and additional disabilities.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct link between his active duty and the condition.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for multiple sclerosis, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a combined rating of 60 percent for multiple sclerosis, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran is granted an effective date of January 12, 1994 for a 40 percent disability evaluation for paralysis of the right upper extremity.,The veteran is granted an earlier effective date of May 20, 1993 for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities for Multiple Sclerosis, Right Knee Disorder, or Chondromalacia of the Left Knee and thus denied service connection for all three conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that symptoms were first present during active service. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy is denied as the claim is not well-grounded.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disability is the primary cause of his dizziness, headaches, and blackouts. The residuals of a fracture of the left femur are also considered secondary to this condition. His left knee disability has been rated at 30 percent since February 26, 1991.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim to establish his competency for VA purposes is well grounded and additional information would be desirable. The case is returned to the regional office for further review.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's multiple sclerosis and related fatigue are rated at 20% and 60%, respectively, with a combined rating of 70%. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's attorney is eligible for payment of 20% of past-due benefits awarded due to an earlier effective date for a total disability rating for service-connected Multiple Sclerosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's multiple sclerosis was initially manifested during her period of active military service and grants service connection for this condition.