The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for additional aid and attendance benefits.
The deciding factor: The veteran does not require regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions, as he is able to perform many daily activities independently or with assistance from his spouse who has been trained in respite care.
- Claimed conditions
- Loss of use of both feet due to a left below-the-knee amputation and a right above-the-knee amputation, Coronary artery disease, status post coronary artery bypass graft, Hemorrhoids and anal fissures, Residuals of a left orchiectomy, History of Fournier's gangrene with diverting colostomy and perirectal abscess
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- November 16, 2001
- Citation
- 0126450
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0126450.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 100 percent evaluation for coronary artery disease and awarded special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, while denying earlier effective dates for both conditions and an increased rating for atrial fibrillation.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss. The veteran was granted a TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and coronary artery disease, status post coronary artery bypass graft, are granted. The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further evaluation.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's coronary artery disease, status post coronary artery bypass graft, is rated at 30 percent prior to March 9, 2006 and at 60 percent thereafter. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met in either period.
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.