What is multiple sclerosis (MS), and why can filing a VA disability benefits claim for it be difficult?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a lot of vague symptoms, which can make it confusing when it comes to diagnosis and getting VA disability benefits. In this blog, we'll go over what MS is, typical symptoms, and discuss the common claim filing pitfalls we usually see as private medical evidence providers who work with veterans every day.

Here's what veterans need to know about MS and getting VA disability benefits for it:

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

The Mayo Clinic defines multiple sclerosis (MS) as a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective coverings of nerves within the body. This autoimmune disease occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, which can lead to permanent nerve damage. Although there isn't a cure right now, treatments are available to help recover from attacks. While some people may face symptoms constantly, others may have periods of remission in between flare ups.

Common symptoms of MS include:

• Numbness

• Weakness

• Difficulty walking

• Vision disturbances

• Electric shock sensations

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Cognitive difficulties

• Memory struggles

• Mood swings

However, the following conditions can also mimic symptoms of MS:

• Neuromyelitis optica

• Lupus

• Stroke

• Sacoidosis 

• Lyme Disease

• Migraines

• Fibromyalgia

• Optic Neuritis

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Neuropathy

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Mental health conditions

Since these conditions can appear similar to MS, it's important to get properly assessed and diagnosed before beginning anything related to your VA disability benefits claim.

How do veterans develop MS?

Veterans can develop MS for two different reasons: 1) genetics and 2) exposures. Oftentimes, symptoms are so vague to begin with that they go undocumented for a long time. Here's a bit more on each of these pathways to the development of MS:

1. In regards to genetics, MS can develop as a result of genetic predisposition, for example if MS runs in your family and your parent or grandparent had it. This would count as direct to service, assuming the MS appeared while the veteran was serving.

2. Toxic exposures can also trigger MS genes to turn on. Any veterans who were involved in toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) might be at a higher risk for developing MS.

How it can be difficult to prove service-connection for MS

As we mentioned earlier, many veterans shrug off the early symptoms of MS and neglect to document them in the initial days of the disease. It's understandable since these symptoms are often vague, and at the start, not necessarily severe. The problem with this is that they often won't have records that date far back (beyond 5-10 years), which makes it hard to put a compelling claim together.

Most people won't get evaluated early on, leading to plenty of gaps in care. This makes it complicated to prove that if it weren't for your service, you wouldn't have developed MS.

At the end of the day, some of these conditions are simply difficult to prove. That doesn't mean you can't fight for your benefits – because you deserve them, and we believe you. Not every path to service-connection is provable, but you can try compiling as much standard and nonstandard evidence as possible, such as:

• Lay evidence

• In-person visits

• Personal statements

Need help with compelling medical documentation?

That's what we're here for. We'll always be honest with you and educate about the reality of the situation while exploring every possible avenue that we can help.

Contact us today for proper medical documentation to make your case clear to the VA. We help veterans with Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – getting you what you need to be prepared. Start by signing up for a chart review or view other services here.