Multiple sclerosis decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim to reopen the previously-denied service connection for multiple sclerosis was denied as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis as there was no evidence that it manifested during or within seven years of his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for cataracts as there was no evidence linking the condition to service. The issues of PTSD and demyelinating disease are remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that it manifested to a compensable degree within seven years of separation from service. The claim for a gynecological disability was denied.

The Board granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim and that the disease was manifested during the seven-year presumptive period following service.

The Board denied the claim, determining that there was no medical evidence of record to substantiate a nexus between the veteran's service and his multiple sclerosis.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals granted service connection for multiple sclerosis based on the presence of symptoms in service and a medical opinion linking those symptoms to MS.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the appellant currently has MS that had its onset to a compensable degree within seven years of his discharge from service. Consequently, reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the appellant and service connection for MS is granted.

The appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's multiple sclerosis.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for iritis of the left eye and associated decreased visual acuity was denied, as his corrected visual acuity has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than September 3, 1999, for service connection for multiple sclerosis.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 'o-rate', based on the loss of use of both hands, was denied due to his failure to report for a required VA examination without good cause.

The Board denied service connection for multiple sclerosis as it was not shown to have had onset during service and is unrelated to an injury, disease, or event of service origin.

The veteran's MS with impairment of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity was rated at 40% and 20%, respectively, while the lower extremities were not found to warrant increased ratings. The rating for urinary incontinence was also granted.

The veteran's claims to reopen service connection for multiple sclerosis, cervical strain, and low back strain were denied as new and material evidence was not received.