The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance, finding that he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to perform daily activities independently.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the appellant needed regular aid and assistance from another person to protect himself from harm or risks in his daily environment.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertensive heart disease, postoperative surgery of old retinal detachment with acquired aphakia, status post subtotal gastrectomy, chronic pancreatitis and diverticulosis, status post cerebrovascular accident (mild), peripheral vascular insufficiency, benign prostatic hypertrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 31, 2003
- Citation
- 0318408
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 0318408.
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 remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and benign prostatic hypertrophy for further development of evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a heart condition to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether the Veteran's current heart condition is related to service, including in-service treatment for hypertension.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including a bilateral eye disability and cardiovascular conditions, based on the Veteran's in-service occupational exposures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and accrued benefits due to pending asbestos exposure development.
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.