Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence showing worsening of his service-connected disabilities. The issues include multiple sclerosis, dysthymic disorder, urinary voiding dysfunction, left upper extremity weakness, left lower extremity weakness, and history of optic neuritis.

The Veteran's service-connected dementia alone does not render him unemployable, thus SMC based on statutory housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 26, 2012 for the grant of service connection for GERD was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for GERD was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death due to multiple sclerosis, and found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The decision also determined that there was no CUE in the denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and development of his exposure history. His TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with his service connection claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 40 percent for his right hand disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right ventral tongue, as it is not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. The claimant must provide a medical opinion linking the cancer to in-service Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for MS, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, SMC based on need for housebound status, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's current MS is being evaluated further as part of this process.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the severity of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis prior to March 17, 2015 and for each of his separately assigned symptoms since then. The RO must obtain private treatment records and reassess the ratings.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis, but has remanded it for further development.

The Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis was granted service connection. The issue of TDIU is being remanded due to outstanding Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination regarding the Veteran's vision loss and eye conditions, as previous examinations provided conflicting information.

The Board denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, a right foot disorder claimed as paralysis of the right foot, and a bilateral knee disorder. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is related to his military service or if it manifested within seven years of separation.