The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied because he does not meet the criteria for such benefits, as his disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily personal needs without assistance from others.
The deciding factor: The veteran has a single permanent disability rated at 100 percent due to postoperative carcinoma of the colon. He also has additional disabilities with a combined evaluation of 50 percent (postoperative residuals of prostate cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and hammer toe, and syphilis with blackouts, an eye condition and dizzy spells). However, he does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance benefits due to his ability to care for himself.
- Claimed conditions
- adenocarcinoma of the colon (postoperative), postoperative residuals of prostate cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and hammer toe, syphilis with blackouts, an eye condition and dizzy spells
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 7, 2001
- Citation
- 0112868
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 0112868.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to a failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding the latter condition. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining such an opinion.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 2, 2015, for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not show actual worsening within one year prior to his March 2, 2015, claim.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal contesting eligibility to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an October 3, 2025 rating decision. The AOJ issued a corrected FAN and amended FAN that replaced the previous decisions, leading to no valid appeal pending.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.