The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied because he failed to cooperate with a scheduled VA examination, and his visual acuity did not meet the criteria for blindness.
The deciding factor: The veteran's visual acuity was 20/400 or better in both eyes, which does not meet the criteria for blindness as defined by regulation.
- Claimed conditions
- Optic neuritis, Polycythemia vera, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Residuals of prostate cancer, Gouty arthritis, Residuals of inguinal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 31, 2000
- Citation
- 0008882
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0008882.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's death was caused by acute hypoxic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with hypertension as a significant contributing factor. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain the Veteran's complete military records and treatment records.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
Your appeal for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on this claim as it is no longer pending.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of August 9, 2022, for the award of service connection for polycythemia vera and remanded claims related to right big toe disability, right knee disability, chronic fatigue, and a compensable evaluation for polycythemia vera.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for the veteran's lumbar spine disorder, left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve disorders, polycythemia vera, and hand and finger disorders as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, continuity of symptomatology, or a nexus to service.
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