The veteran's claim for higher special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 'o-rate' based on anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands was denied as he does not have loss of use of either hand, and his function is better than what would be expected if the hands were amputated with a prosthesis.
The deciding factor: The veteran's weakness in his upper extremities has been considered in the award at the 'l-rate' (loss of use of both lower extremities). The VA examination did not reveal any complete loss of use of the hands due to multiple sclerosis, indicating effective function of the hands better than expected with amputation and a prosthesis.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2003
- Citation
- 0302194
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 0302194.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that it manifested to a degree of 10 percent or more within seven years of the Veteran's separation from service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for multiple sclerosis and remanded the claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain additional evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's death was due to multiple sclerosis, which may have been caused by in-service herbicide exposure.
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