Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2003

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis. The RO must take this opportunity to inform the appellant that a full year is allowed to respond to VCAA notice.

The Board's October 1997 decision denying service connection for Multiple Sclerosis is reversed due to clear and unmistakable error, as the presumptive period for multiple sclerosis applies given the veteran's service-connected left knee disability incurred during inactive duty training.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living, without care or assistance on a regular basis. Therefore, he is not entitled to additional special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative withdrew the appeal for all issues listed.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The veteran's case is being sent back to the RO for obtaining treatment records and conducting a Special Aid and Attendance or Housebound examination.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms of relapsing-remitting disease (possibly multiple sclerosis) have remained relatively stable, with essentially normal neurological evaluations. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent were not met.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that it did not have its onset during or within seven years after his discharge from active duty. The evidence showed no medical diagnosis of MS until 1985, and there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between any symptoms in service and the current condition.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple sclerosis was not incurred or aggravated by his period of active duty, and thus denied service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to multiple sclerosis, which is presumed to have been incurred in service. The eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under chapter 35 has also been established.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for multiple sclerosis was improper.

The veteran's service-connected multiple sclerosis has resulted in permanent loss of use of his feet, meeting the eligibility requirements for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hearing loss and a neurological disability (claimed as multiple sclerosis) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's multiple sclerosis was not present during service or within seven years after separation, and thus cannot be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding no current diagnosis of the condition and noting that there was no evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied service connection for chloracne, multiple sclerosis, and seizure disorder claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of current diagnoses or a link between the conditions and his military service.