The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including impairment of rectal and anal sphincter control, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, otitis externa, functional gastrointestinal disease, impotency, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a combined rating of 80 percent, with impairment of rectal and anal sphincter control rated at 60 percent. The medical evidence indicates that his combination of conditions necessitates the daily personal health care services of a skilled provider, without which he would require hospital, nursing home, or other institutional care.
- Claimed conditions
- Impairment of rectal and anal sphincter control, Adenocarcinoma of the prostate, Otitis externa, Functional gastrointestinal disease, Impotency, Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 31, 2003
- Citation
- 0336711
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 0336711.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to February 5, 2024, for a 10 percent evaluation of allergic rhinitis was denied. The Veteran also appealed for a higher rating for his allergic rhinitis and this was denied as well.,The Veteran's PTSD with TBI claim is remanded due to inadequate medical examinations.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for GERD and allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, as there is no documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia requiring daily medications or dilatation more than once per year. For allergic rhinitis, the Veteran's symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a compensable rating due to lack of polyps and obstruction.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of allergic rhinitis. Service connection is granted for a skin disorder (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) and denied for a chronic cervical spine disorder.
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