Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's multiple sclerosis to his military service, and thus the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to perform daily functions or substantially confined as a result of his service-connected conditions, thus denying special monthly compensation in the form of aid and attendance or housebound benefits.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's service-connected multiple sclerosis did not result in the loss of use of any extremity or blindness in both eyes, nor ankylosis of one or both knees or hips. Therefore, he is denied a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance or specially adapted equipment.

The Board has determined that the appellant's multiple sclerosis was manifest within seven years of his active naval service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected multiple sclerosis resulted in loss of use of his right foot, and thus grants special monthly compensation based on this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis. The claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a left tibia and fibula injury is also denied as there are no other potentially applicable diagnostic codes that would allow for a higher evaluation on an individual basis.

The Board found that the veteran's appeal of his PTSD claim was not timely filed, and thus lacks jurisdiction to consider this issue. The case for service connection of multiple sclerosis is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as moot because all benefits were restored by an August 1995 RO decision.

The veteran's claim for a higher rate of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected multiple sclerosis is granted.

The Board has found that the veteran currently has multiple sclerosis, which was present during service and is presumed to have been incurred therein. Therefore, the claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is granted.

The appellant is entitled to payment of special monthly compensation at the rate prescribed by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(p) from July 25, 1991 to May 20, 1992 based on an erroneous award notification letter.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for multiple sclerosis and found it well grounded. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis is well-grounded, and it was granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 14, 1994 for the grant of a total rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.