Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2005

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an examination. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple sclerosis did not begin during his military service and could not be presumed to have begun due to exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The evidence showed that the symptoms of MS began in 1993, more than seven years after discharge from active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran is competent for VA benefits purposes and restored his competency status.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death, resulting in a denial.

The veteran's claim for an extension of her delimiting date for Chapter 30 educational benefits was denied because the evidence did not show that she had a physical or mental disability preventing her from initiating or completing an educational program during her basic eligibility period.