Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and Headaches, as there is insufficient evidence to make a decision on these claims without an examination.

The Board denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, finding that the Veteran's current disability did not have its onset during an eligible period of active service or a presumptive period after an eligible period of active service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to address the onset and etiology of the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis, as the previous VA examination was inadequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and housebound status due to his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis. The evidence did not support a finding that he needed regular aid and assistance or was permanently housebound solely due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and major depressive disorder with anxious distress, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for sleep apnea was remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple sclerosis is granted as the condition was incurred during active duty training (ACDUTRA). The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability, in-service incurrence of symptoms, and a nexus between the two.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for multiple sclerosis and granted evaluations of 40 percent, 30 percent, and 20 percent for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic) respectively. The Board also denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for voiding dysfunction and loss of bowel control.

The Board denied a separate disability rating for short-term memory loss as a residual manifestation of MS, finding no current diagnosis and attributing the Veteran's mild memory loss to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing and automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to her service-connected multiple sclerosis resulting in permanent loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis and multiple sclerosis, finding that both conditions are related to his active-duty exposure to harmful chemicals, specifically trichloroethylene (TCE).

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is necessary to properly assess the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis and its relationship to his military service, specifically focusing on exposure at Camp Johnson/Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis manifested to a compensable degree within the seven-year presumptive period, thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's fatigue, multiple sclerosis, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and therefore he did not meet the criteria for non-service-connected burial benefits. The claims were denied as there was no evidence of a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty at the time of discharge.

The Veteran's service connection for multiple sclerosis and PTSD have been granted, with the PTSD rating being increased to 70 percent effective from July 14, 2016. The TDIU and SMC benefits are also granted.