The veteran's disability does not meet the criteria for a higher level of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance, but he is entitled to an intermediate rate due to loss of use of both feet.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability affecting his lower extremities is due to Friedreich's ataxia, which is considered a service-connected condition. However, the progression of this disease has resulted in significant functional impairment that does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- Friedreich's ataxia, bowel and bladder dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 6, 2003
- Citation
- 0326437
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 0326437.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for revision of a May 1973 rating decision that denied service connection for Friedreich's ataxia on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, thus the claim for SMC based on a need for aid and attendance is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his spine disability, erectile dysfunction, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and cervical spine disability.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cerebellar degeneration, which is a result of his service-connected malaria infection, should be considered for service connection.
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