{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/multiple-sclerosis","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:29:06.823Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Multiple sclerosis","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":1184,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":25.8,"denied_pct":20.9,"remanded_pct":50.8,"granted_on_merits_pct":55.2,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":97,"granted_pct":13.4,"denied_pct":35.1,"remanded_pct":48.5},{"year":2018,"issues":131,"granted_pct":29,"denied_pct":17.6,"remanded_pct":48.9},{"year":2019,"issues":167,"granted_pct":23.4,"denied_pct":19.2,"remanded_pct":52.7},{"year":2020,"issues":121,"granted_pct":19.8,"denied_pct":19,"remanded_pct":58.7},{"year":2021,"issues":159,"granted_pct":22,"denied_pct":22,"remanded_pct":54.7},{"year":2022,"issues":145,"granted_pct":24.8,"denied_pct":17.9,"remanded_pct":56.6},{"year":2023,"issues":143,"granted_pct":19.6,"denied_pct":20.3,"remanded_pct":56.6},{"year":2024,"issues":137,"granted_pct":37.2,"denied_pct":18.2,"remanded_pct":39.4},{"year":2025,"issues":103,"granted_pct":35.9,"denied_pct":18.4,"remanded_pct":45.6},{"year":2026,"issues":49,"granted_pct":40.8,"denied_pct":18.4,"remanded_pct":38.8}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":80.7,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":166,"granted_pct_with":79.7,"granted_pct_without":48.5},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":728,"granted_pct_with":50,"granted_pct_without":67.5},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":275,"granted_pct_with":85.9,"granted_pct_without":36.9},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":536,"granted_pct_with":49,"granted_pct_without":62.3},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":530,"granted_pct_with":66.9,"granted_pct_without":39.4},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":139,"granted_pct_with":81.8,"granted_pct_without":49.3},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":964,"granted_pct_with":52.8,"granted_pct_without":71.4},{"evidence":"buddy_statement","decisions_with":47,"granted_pct_with":60,"granted_pct_without":55}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":37},{"reason":"continuity of symptomatology since service","decisions":7},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":6},{"reason":"symptoms manifested within seven years of service","decisions":4},{"reason":"presumptive service connection for chronic disease","decisions":3},{"reason":"presumptive service connection under 38 c.f.r. § 3.309(a)","decisions":3}],"denied":[{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":28},{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":27},{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":23},{"reason":"no current diagnosis","decisions":20},{"reason":"no continuity of symptomatology","decisions":17},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":14}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26036318","year":2026,"judge":"L. STEPANICK","rationale":"Favorable opinion from VA treating neurologist Dr. J.L. linking in-service symptoms to MS.; Inadequate negative opinion from June 2021 VA examiner who failed to address in-service symptoms.; Application of benefit of the doubt due to approximate balance of evidence."},{"case_id":"A26035945","year":2026,"judge":"L. STEPANICK","rationale":"Evidence in equipoise; Benefit of the doubt applied; Probative private physician opinion"},{"case_id":"A26030685","year":2026,"judge":"D. MARTZ AMES","rationale":"Current disability established; In-service onset of symptoms in 1995; Credible treating physician opinion linking symptoms to service; No medical opinion weighing against service connection"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"26005027","year":2026,"judge":"S.C. KREMBS","rationale":"Questionable diagnosis of MS; Lack of continuous symptoms post-service; No nexus to service established"},{"case_id":"A26028485","year":2026,"judge":"GAYLE STROMMEN","rationale":"Symptoms consistent with 50% rating (depression, anxiety, sleep impairment); Lack of severe symptoms required for 70% rating (hallucinations, impaired thought processes); Inconsistent findings in December 2023 VA exam deemed of limited probative value"},{"case_id":"A26024235","year":2026,"judge":"M. MILLS","rationale":"Service treatment records silent for PLS; No competent evidence linking PLS to service; Veteran's bare assertion of nexus insufficient"}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}